Sociocontextual Variables that Affect Spousal Perception of Social Support

The aim in this study was to determine the effect of certain sociocontextual variables on the level of perceived spousal support. Family members are the most significant source of social support for an individual throughout his or her life. Spouses' mutual support in a marital relationship, however, seems to be particularly important compared to other sources of social support. We interviewed 579 randomly selected married individuals in Ankara, Turkey. They responded to the Spousal Support Scale and completed the personal information form that included individual and family data. Results showed a significant relationship between the level of perceived spousal support and a variety of sociocontextual factors such as number of children, length of marriage, form of marriage, and income level. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.