One of the most important aspects of a research of social networks represents a link with wide scope of social support, both in the field of mental and physical health and in social intervention programs (from family to wider community and workplace and school). Here it is possible to explore the structure and functioning of informal networks of social support of people – questions like who to turn to when they are in distress (such as emotional stress situations, as is the death of a close family member and in case of serious illness, etc.). Additionally we can explore implications of this interaction for their health and general well-being. It is also possible to explore the degree of satisfaction of people with social support and factors that influence this trend. Based on these results, it is possible to plan various concrete social support programs. The aim of the research was to examine (on a representative sample) the characteristics of informal social support networks of people in Slovenia. To find out what is their size and structure, the nature of relationships within these networks - proximity, frequency of contact, etc. Characteristics of informal social support networks in general and certain key demographic characteristics are surveyed (e.g.: gender, age, education). Special emphasis has been placed on the study of networks social support of vulnerable groups, such as the poor, elderly, physically obstructed. The use and importance of formal sources of social support were also studied. Results of such research on social are useful as a basis for better organization of new, alternative and complementary forms of support by state and non-governmental institutions. This is useful for specific group’s population most in need of such assistance (elderly, disabled, families with pre-school children, etc.).

Probability: Stratified: ProportionalProbability.Stratified.Proportional

Telephone interview: Computer-assisted (CATI)Interview.Telephone.CATI