The Effect of Perceived Level of Social Support on the Fear of Falling

ABSTRACT

Background: Perhaps the most prevalent cause of anxiety among the elderly is the fear of falling, considering that a fall can lead to serious complications and decline of health. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived social support and the fear of falling among people ages 60 and up. Methods: Upon completing informed consent, participants (n = 33) in assisted living facilities, living independently, or with a loved one completed a demographic questionnaire, the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results: There was not a statistically significant relationship between fear of falling and perceived social support (p = .14); however, there was a significant, strong positive correlation between age and fear of falling (r = .41, p = .05) and cane use and fear of falling (r = .54, p = .05). There were no statistically significant group differences in fear of falling (p = .48) for living status. There was a statistically significant difference in fear of falling between cane use (p = .001), with individuals using a cane reporting a significantly greater fear of falling (M = 48.21, SD = 12.95) than individuals not using a cane (M = 30.56, SD = 12.74). The results provide further insight into the relationship between fear of falling, perceived social support, cane use, and living status. Interventions and future research should examine the impact of social support and physical activity on fear of falling and reducing in cane use.

KEYWORDS:

• Elderly
• falls risk
• fear
• mobility