83 Randomized controlled trial of a social network intervention 3 Social network The size and quality of the social support network is measured with a self-developed interview based on the Modified Multiple Generator (MMG) (Marin & Hampton, 2007) and Name Generator/Interpreter method (NGI) (Burt, 1984). The NGI method is widely used in sociological research to investigate the size and quality of different type of social networks and changes in social networks (De Cuyper, 2015; Marin & Hampton, 2007). The MMG approach is a time-saving alternative of the NGI method, and therefore more appropriate for the current study. Two widely used name generator questions (“Who are the people with whom you discuss matters important to you?” and “Who are the people you really enjoy socializing with?”) are administered to determine the size of the social support network. If participants report more than five names, they will be asked to mention the five most important network members. Additionally, name interpreter questions are administered to measure the demographic characteristics of network members, the quality of the relationships and contact frequencies. Even though content validity of the MMG approach is less strong, when compared with the full NGI method, the MMG is found to be an acceptable alternative (Marin & Hampton, 2007). The instrument will be administered at baseline and 12 and 18 months after baseline. Social support Social support is measured with the Social Support List (SSL), a 41-item 4-point Likert-type self-report questionnaire (van Sonderen, 1993, 2012), at baseline and 12 and 18 months after baseline. The SSL consist of 34 items that refer to supportive interactions and seven items that refer to negative interactions. Positive interactions can be divided into six subscales: (1) everyday emotional support, (2) emotional support in case of problems, (3) support from the expression of validation, (4) instrumental support, (6) social companionship, and (6) informative and supportive feedback (regarding participants’ behavior). Furthermore, negative interactions can be divided into three subscales: (1) everyday support, (2) support in case of problems, and (3) support from the expression of validation. The SSL has acceptable validity and reliability scores (van Sonderen, 2012). Loneliness Loneliness will be measured with the Loneliness Scale, a 11-item 5-point Likert-type self-report questionnaire (de Jong Gierveld & van Tilburg, 1999; de Jong & Kamphuis, 1985), at baseline and 12 and 18 months after baseline. The Loneliness Scale scores can be divided into emotional loneliness and social loneliness. The questionnaire demonstrated good psychometric properties (de Jong Gierveld & van Tilburg, 1999; de Jong Gierveld & van Tilburg, 2010).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjY0ODMw