| This study investigates (a) the effects that immigration has on the structure and function of the network (e.g. how the network is reconstructed upon migration), and (b) the perceptions that the aged immigrants have regarding the quality of the new network. Nine research hypotheses are tested which predict the following relationships: (1) Elderly immigrants immigrate following a child. (2) The longer the stay in an area, the larger the reconstructed network. (3) Elderly's satisfaction is higher when exchanges are both instrumental and emotional. (4) Elderly that have alternative sources of support score higher on well-being than those who have no alternative sources. (5) Elderly females interact more with their support networks than males. (6) Married elderly have a higher number of exchanges with their support networks than those that are not married. (7) Living closer to the support network is related to amount of exchanges of instrumental support. (8) Elderly who engage in different types of exchanges with friends score higher on well-being. (9) Aged who have lower levels of education are involved in larger amounts of instrumental exchanges with their support network.;Fifty-four non-institutionalized immigrants from El Salvador, 55 years of age or older were interviewed. Social support network is conceptualized here as a series of linkages with significant others, along which information and services flow to and from the anchor person and between members.;The research is pictured as a two-step analysis. In the first step, immigration is the independent variable, while changes in the network's structure are the dependent variable. In the second step the reconstructed network is the independent variable, while the perception of quality of the network is the dependent variable. The observed differences are tested using theoretically and statistically relevant control variables to clarify the process.;The study findings have implications for a number of areas. Theoretical implications are discussed for immigration theory, exchange theory, and network theory. Implications for social work practice and policy are identified, as are some limitations to this study. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.). |
