The dynamics of socio-connective trust within support networks accessed by informal caregivers

This article introduces the concept of socio-connective trust, the synapse between the social structures and processes that underpin relationships in supportive care networks. Data from an ethnographic case study of 18 informal caregivers providing in-home care for people with life-limiting illness...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health (London, England : 1997) England : 1997), 2011-03, Vol.15 (2), p.137-152
Main Authors: Ray, Robin A., Street, Annette F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging - psychology
Anthropology, Cultural
Caregivers
Caregivers - psychology
Caring
Ethnography
Female
Gender Identity
Health Care Services
Health Status
Humans
Illness
Informal groups
Male
Middle Aged
Networks
Personal Satisfaction
Privacy
Social capital
Social Networks
Social Structure
Social Support
Social Work
Social Workers
Support Networks
Trust
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Summary:This article introduces the concept of socio-connective trust, the synapse between the social structures and processes that underpin relationships in supportive care networks. Data from an ethnographic case study of 18 informal caregivers providing in-home care for people with life-limiting illness were analysed drawing on theoretical concepts from the work of Giddens and writings on social capital, as well as the construction of trust in the caregiving literature. While conceptions of trust were found to contribute to understanding supportive care relationships, they did not account for the dynamic nature of the availability and use of support networks. Instead, informal caregivers undertook ongoing reflexive negotiation of relationship boundaries in response to their own conception of the current situation and their perception of trust in their relationships with the various members of the support network. The concept of socio-connective trust describes the movement and flow of the flexible bonds that influence relationships among care networks and determine the type and range of support accessed by informal caregivers. Understanding the complexities of socio-connective trust in caregiving relationships will assist health and social care workers to mobilize relevant resources to support informal caregivers.
ISSN:1363-4593
1461-7196
DOI:10.1177/1363459309360786