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Deference as a Form of Reciprocity Among Residents in Assisted Living

Grand Valley State University

Berit Ingersoll-Dayton

University of Michigan School of Social Work

Erika Nelson

Wayne State University

Although the ability to provide support to others may diminish with age, the desire to reciprocate persists. Using social exchange theory, this article examines deference as one form of exchange. Based on a sample of 31 residents age 85 and older in assisted living facilities, data were gathered via a semi-structured interview that was audiotaped and transcribed. This study analyzes their responses to open-ended questions using qualitative methods. Findings indicate that these "oldest old" respondents reciprocate for the support they receive from family and staff via deference. Four forms of deference are identified: participation, pleasantness, cooperation, and gratitude. In addition, the psychological costs and rewards of deference are examined from the elders' perspective.

Key Words: dyadic relationships • caregiving • compliance • oldest old • reciprocal exchanges • social exchange theory

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Research on Aging, Vol. 29, No. 6, 626-643 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0164027507305925


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in Web of Science Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Beel-Bates, C. A. Articles by Nelson, E. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?