PERCEP����O DE SUPORTE SOCIAL E BEM-ESTAR NO TRABALHO: UM ESTUDO COM PROFESSORES

Os estudos sobre as condi����es de trabalho de profissionais da educa����o sempre tiveram como objetivo identificar fatores negativos, como o burnout e o estresse. Por��m, �� sabido que vari��veis relacionadas com as rela����es interpessoais podem proporcionar melhora no bem-estar no trabalho nestes profissionais. O professor, protagonista do processo ensino-aprendizagem pode apresentar bem-estar no trabalho e desempenhar melhor o seu of��cio se tiver percep����o de suporte daqueles que comp��em sua rede social dentro de sua escola. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as rela����es entre bem-estar no trabalho e percep����o de suporte social no trabalho em professores do ensino fundamental. Participaram do estudo 209 professores, do ensino fundamental da rede p��blica municipal e estadual de ensino, todos do sexo feminino com idade m��dia de 41,55 anos (DP=8,64) e com o n��vel de instru����o m��nimo correspondente ao ensino m��dio. Esses professores responderam a um question��rio auto aplic��vel contendo quatro medidas: Escala de Envolvimento com o Trabalho, Escala de Satisfa����o com o Trabalho Escala de Comprometimento Organizacional Afetivo e Escala de Percep����o de Suporte Social no Trabalho. Calcularam-se as m��dias, desvios padr��o, correla����es e sete modelos de regress��o linear stepwise entre as vari��veis do estudo. Os resultados apontaram para satisfa����o com os colegas, com a chefia e com as tarefas, mas pouca satisfa����o com sal��rios e promo����es. Os professores apresentaram comprometimento afetivo com suas escolas e envolvimento com o trabalho que realizam. Foi revelada percep����o de suporte social, com uma tend��ncia mais elevada de suporte com as informa����es recebidas, seguida da percep����o de suporte emocional e percep����o de suporte instrumental nesta ordem. Foram comprovadas rela����es positivas e significativas entre as dimens��es de bem-estar no trabalho e percep����o de suporte social no trabalho. Modelos de regress��o revelaram que as tr��s dimens��es de suporte social no trabalho impactam positivamente as tr��s dimens��es de bem-estar no trabalho, com maior capacidade de explica����o entre si. Sugere-se novos estudos envolvendo percep����o de suporte social no trabalho e bem-estar no trabalho com outras categorias profissionais para complementar estes ainda pouco estudados conceitos.(AU)

QUALIDADE DE VIDA, SUPORTE SOCIAL E CONTROLE GLIC��MICO EM PORTADORES DE DIABETES MELLITUS TIPO2

Diabetes Mellitus �� uma doen��a cr��nica degenerativa que imp��e uma s��rie de limita����es em fun����o da necessidade de tratamento constante. Por isso, considerou-se que o estudo da qualidade de vida e suporte social poderia trazer conhecimento para melhorar a qualidade das interven����es para estes pacientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de vida, suporte social e controle glic��mico de portadores de Diabetes Mellitus tipo2. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e transversal, desenvolvido com 120 pacientes de ambos os g��neros, atendidos no ambulat��rio de endocrinologia de um hospital situado na cidade de S��o Bernardo do Campo. Para coleta dos dados foram utilizados os seguintes instrumentos: question��rio para caracteriza����o da popula����o, question��rio de qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-BREF) e a Escala de Percep����o de Suporte Social (EPSS). Os dados referentes ao controle glic��mico foram coletados nos prontu��rios dos pacientes. Para an��lise dos dados utilizou-se �� estat��stica descritiva e provas estat��sticas (Pearson, QuiQuadrado, Exato de Fisher, Anova e Pos-hoc). Os resultados indicaram que o dom��nio das rela����es sociais foi o que mais contribuiu a qualidade de vida. E as vari��veis tempo de diagn��stico, insulinoterapia, n��mero de dependentes, escolaridade, dieta e medica����o interferiram na qualidade de vida e na qualidade do tratamento. Estes resultados chamam a aten����o para que as avalia����es m��dicas devam ser atreladas a avalia����es da qualidade de vida, suporte social e tamb��m vari��veis que interferem na qualidade do tratamento para que, desta forma possam redimensionar ou melhorar fazeres ligados ��s interven����es com estes pacientes.

IMPACTO DO CONFLITO INTRAGRUPAL, DO SUPORTE SOCIAL NO TRABALHO E DO AUTOCONCEITO PROFISSIONAL SOBRE A RESILI��NCIA: UM ESTUDO COM POLICIAIS MILITARES.

A resili��ncia �� um construto que remete �� habilidade do ser humano de ter ��xito frente ��s adversidades da vida, super��-las e inclusive, ser fortalecido ou transformado por elas. Campos de investiga����es da psicologia, como Psicologia da Sa��de, Psicologia Positiva e Comportamento Organizacional Positivo, t��m considerado a resili��ncia como uma importante via para a compreens��o dos aspectos positivos e saud��veis dos indiv��duos. Este trabalho pretendeu ampliar o conhecimento acerca da resili��ncia e suas rela����es com outros construtos no contexto organizacional. Para isto, definiu-se como objetivo geral deste estudo verificar a capacidade preditiva do conflito intragrupal (tarefa e relacionamento), do suporte social no trabalho (emocional, informacional e instrumental) e do autoconceito profissional (sa��de, realiza����o, autoconfian��a e compet��ncia) sobre a resili��ncia (adapta����o ou aceita����o positiva de mudan��as, espiritualidade, resigna����o diante da vida, compet��ncia pessoal e persist��ncia diante das dificuldades) de policiais militares. Participaram do estudo 133 policiais militares de um batalh��o do interior do estado de S��o Paulo, prevalecendo indiv��duos do sexo masculino (97,7%), com idade m��dia de 30 anos (DP= 5,7). Para a medida das vari��veis foram utilizadas as seguintes escalas validadas: Escala de Avalia����o de Resili��ncia reduzida, Escala de Conflitos Intragrupais, Escala de Percep����o de Suporte Social no Trabalho e a Escala de Autoconceito Profissional. Os dados foram submetidos a c��lculos descritivos e a an��lises de regress��o linear m��ltipla padr��o. Os resultados indicaram que o modelo que reunia as vari��veis antecedentes (conflito intragrupal, suporte social no trabalho e autoconceito profissional) explicou significativamente a vari��ncia das dimens��es da resili��ncia: 30% da persist��ncia diante das dificuldades, 29% da adapta����o ou aceita����o positiva de mudan��as, 28% da compet��ncia pessoal e 11% da espiritualidade. As vari��veis que tiveram impacto estatisticamente importante sobre a persist��ncia diante das dificuldades foram o suporte emocional no trabalho, cuja dire����o da predi����o foi inversa, e autoconfian��a, cuja dire����o da predi����o foi direta. A adapta����o ou aceita����o positiva de mudan��as teve como preditor inverso a vari��vel sa��de e como preditor direto a autoconfian��a. A compet��ncia pessoal teve impacto significativo da vari��vel autoconfian��a, que se mostrou um preditor direto. A espiritualidade, por sua vez, teve um ��nico preditor significante, a vari��vel realiza����o, cuja dire����o da predi����o foi direta. Os resultados sugerem que dentre as vari��veis antecedentes, o autoconceito profissional evidenciou maior poder de explica����o da vari��ncia da resili��ncia. �� luz da literatura da ��rea foram discutidos estes achados. Por fim, foram apresentadas as limita����es e a proposta de uma agenda de pesquisa que contribua para confirma����o e amplia����o dos resultados desta investiga����o.

RESILI��NCIA EM TRABALHADORES: IMPACTO DA AUTO- EFIC��CIA E DA PERCEP����O DE SUPORTE SOCIAL

Resili��ncia representa o processo din��mico envolvendo a adapta����o positiva no contexto de adversidade significativa. Estudos sobre o conceito t��m aumentado com o advento da Psicologia Positiva, pelos potenciais efeitos na sa��de e no desempenho dos trabalhadores. Outros conceitos importantes para a sa��de circunscritos no escopo da Psicologia Positiva no contexto de trabalho s��o os de auto-efic��cia, definida como cren��as das pessoas sobre suas capacidades e/ou seu exerc��cio de controle sobre os eventos que afetam sua vida e o de suporte social no trabalho, que compreende a percep����o do quanto o contexto laborativo oferece apoio aos trabalhadores. Pouca literatura existe sobre resili��ncia no contexto de trabalho e nenhum estudo envolvendo os tr��s construtos foi encontrado. Por isto, esta investiga����o analisou o impacto da auto-efic��cia e da percep����o de suporte social no trabalho sobre a resili��ncia de trabalhadores. Participaram 243 universit��rios trabalhadores da regi��o metropolitana de S��o Paulo, com idade m��dia de 23 anos (DP=6,2 anos), em sua maioria do sexo feminino (69,5%), crist��os (cat��licos=51,5%; protestantes=18,1%), atuantes em cargos de apoio administrativo e t��cnico (49,1%), oriundos de organiza����es de diversos ramos. Foi aplicado um question��rio para coletar dados s��cio-demogr��ficos dos participantes e tr��s escalas brasileiras v��lidas para medir a percep����o de suporte social no trabalho (Escala de Percep����o de Suporte Social no Trabalho EPSST), as cren��as de auto-efic��cia (Escala de Auto-efic��cia Geral Percebida) e n��vel de resili��ncia (Escala de Resili��ncia de Connor-Davidson CD-RISC-10). Foram realizadas an��lises estat��sticas explorat��rias e descritivas, an��lises de regress��o stepwise, an��lises de vari��ncia (ANOVA) e teste t para descrever participantes, vari��veis e testar o modelo. Os dados revelaram que os universit��rios trabalhadores apresentam n��veis de resili��ncia e auto-efic��cia acima da m��dia e de suporte social no trabalho, na m��dia. Auto-efic��cia se confirmou como preditor significativo de resili��ncia ao contr��rio dos tr��s tipos de percep����o de suporte social no trabalho (informacional, emocional e instrumental). Os achados indicaram a necessidade de aprofundamento sobre o tema e foi apontada a necessidade de novos estudos que auxiliem na compreens��o dos resultados desta investiga����o.

Chinese host country nationals' willingness to support expatriates:the role of collectivism, interpersonal affect and Guanxi

The willingness of host country nationals (HCNs) to provide support to the expatriate has received a lot of attention in the literature on international assignments. Surprisingly, though, the number of empirical studies examining this relationship is extremely limited. This study examines the role of HCNs' collectivistic orientation, interpersonal affect, and guanxi in relation to their willingness to support expatriates. Using data from 212 HCNs in China, it is found that HCNs' perceived relationship quality with the expatriate has a significant impact on their willingness to provide assistance, both role information and social support, to expatriates. Further, it is found that relationship quality is related to perceived cultural similarity. The results reinforce the importance of paying attention to the perceptions and reactions of HCNs towards expatriates. Implications of the findings are discussed, and suggestions are offered for future research.

Antecedents and consequences of the social categorization of expatriates in India

Multinational organizations have dramatically increased their operations in Asian countries in recent years. The success of expatriate assignments has therefore become increasingly important for multinationals. Social and cultural psychologists have proposed that host country nationals' (HCN) attitudes toward expatriates are key antecedents of interpersonally supportive behavior related to assignment success. We developed and tested a model of HCN social categorization and helping of expatriates based on the social���psychological theory. Results indicated that perceived values similarity and collectivism are negatively related to social categorization of expatriates, and that social categorization is negatively related to the provision of role information and social support by HCNs. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for theory and for organizations sending expatriates to culturally dissimilar host countries.

Chinese host country nationals' willingness to help expatriates:the role of social categorization

In this study, we examine Chinese host country nationals' (HCNs') willingness to offer role information and social support to expatriates from the United States. Using data from 132 Chinese managers, we find that ethnocentrism, interpersonal affect, and guanxi significantly impact HCNs' willingness to offer help to expatriates. Furthermore, we find that the job level of the expatriate has a significant impact on HCNs' willingness to offer role information but not on willingness to offer social support. The results suggest that paying attention to the perceptions and reactions of HCNs toward expatriates is imperative for multinational companies if expatriates are to succeed on their assignments. ��2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Late adolescents in transition: The influence of support on post-transition adjustment

Points of transition, when major life roles undergo change, tend to be associated with an increased need for social support. The transition from adolescence to adulthood is ideal for the examination of the effect of normative stress on the development and functioning of social networks. A questionnaire was designed based on the convoy model to assess the influence of personal and situational characteristics on the utilization of support in the prediction of post-transition adjustment. Data were initially collected for a multi-ethnic sample of 741 sophomores and seniors in high school. Surveys were mailed to participants two years later, and one again the following year. The current study is based on data for 310 participants with complete data for all three time periods. A series of hierarchical regressions were conducted to compare three explanatory models of support: main effect, mediation, and moderation. A main effect model of support on post-transition adjustment was confirmed, a mediator model was not confirmed, and a moderator model was marginally confirmed. Family and friend support was related to significantly lower levels of loneliness, particularly for those with less adaptable temperaments. ^

Late adolescents in transition: Social networks, parent relations, and well -being

A two-year longitudinal study was conducted to investigate late adolescents in transition. An initial investigation with senior high school students assessed students prior to leaving home for college and after college entrance. Of the original 131 participants recontacted two years after their graduation, 78 returned surveys. The study (a) explored changes in social network structure and function, (b) determined whether late adolescent-parent-peer relations change over time, and (c) identified prospectively the impact of social support, adolescent-parent-peer relations, and attachment security on well-being and feelings about the transition after high school. Students attending college locally reported an increase in total network support at Time 2. Regardless of location, more support from friends was received after the transition from high school, whereas family support did not vary across time. Parent relations were closer after the transition and were predictive of various well-being measures and feelings about the transition from high school. ^

Resili��ncia e apoio social em gestantes tardias

The gestation process, in general, is a very important event on a woman���s life and it brings phisical, phisiological and emotional changes, which by itself is an experience full of intense feelings. By late-aged pregnancy we mean those which occurs at the age of 35 or further. The occurance of this type of pregnancy is rising in Brasil and throughout the world, factors such as, better access to birth control resources and the search for financial stability explains the pregnancy delay. Important processes like resilience and social support can help late-aged pregnant women, in a benefical way, to adapt to the gestation process. Resilience is the capacity that a certain individual or group of individuals have to go through an adverse situation, be able to overcome it and become streghtened, transforming it in motivation for its biopsichosocial development. Social support is a complex and dinamic process that involves transactions between individuals and their social networks, meeting the social needs, promoting and complementing the personal resources that they have to face new demands. This research has the intention of raising information about the issues of late-aged pregnant women in the County of Natal- RN, the main objective was to evaluate the resilience indicators and the social support on late-aged pregnant women in the Natal-RN County. A transversal cut, correlational and descriptive research that was done with 150 lateaged pregnant women. The tools that were used were: A form with sociodemographic and gestation info, the scale of resilience and social support. An eletronic spreadsheet sofware (Excel e SPSS 21.0) was used to analize data which helped on the statistics according to its variables and the objective of this work. For the nominal variables, relative frequencies were used and for continuous the Pearson correlation and determination coefficient were used, regarding that; the sample had a normal distribution. The project fulfilled the ethnic aspects prescribed by Resolution 466/12 of the National Health Council, with a favorable decision (356.436/ 2013) of the UFRN Ethics on Research Committee. Most of the pregnant women had a low money income and education level, born in the state of Rio Grande do Norte they had an average age of 37,49 (��2,577), catholic, married, house wives, they had more than one child and were on their third trimester of pregnancy; they also had a low past abortion rate, not having planned their pregnancy, with an average of 4,22 (��2,506) pre-natal appointments, residing with an average of 3,673 (��1,397) people, having used any sort of birth control device and having high indicators of resilience and social support. The correlations kept between resilience, social support and some of the social demographics and gestation variables were considered low. Such data points out the fact that most of these women were in a stable relationship; they hadn���t had a past of abortion, they were involved with some kind of religion, they were not first pregnancy mothers, had an age on which they are not considered inexperienced mothers and even had scored high on the social support scale, these may all possibly be the most contributing factors on development and resilience building on these 35 years or more mothers. We expect that the data and information from this research may add up knowledge, actions and improvements regarding late-aged pregnant women and the pregnancy phenomena in general.

Mulheres com l��pus eritematoso sist��mico: sintomas depressivos e apoio social percebido

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, rare, multisystem, with a very heterogeneous clinical and serological manifestations standard. The patient, in addition to suffering injuries on his physical and physiological functioning, may also face a number of psychosocial problems. Research indicates that SLE can cause significant damage to the psychological realm, especially with the presence of anxiety and depression. In 1999, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), proposed the establishment of 19 neuropsychiatric clinical syndromes attributed to SLE. Depression lies between mood disorders and is one of the most common psychiatric manifestations in this group, being found more frequently in these patients than in the general population. Studies also suggest that social support plays an important role in the development of coping strategies, in SLE management and depression. This study has as main objective verify the association between depressive symptoms and perceived social support in patients with SLE. The specific objectives turned to: investigte the prevalence of depressive symptoms; investigate the perceived social support and verify if there is an association between depression, social support and sociodemographic variables. We used a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Scale, and the Perceived Social Support Scale. The analysis was performed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The final sample could count with 79 SLE women, with an average age of 35.7 years. 44 (55.7%) of the participants were married. Only 6 (7.59%) had completed higher education and 32 (40.51%) have not finished high school. Seventy-one (89.87%) had an income below three minimum salaries and 71 (89.87) practiced a religion, and the Catholic (67.71%) was the most mentioned by them. Of the total sample, 37 (46.74%) had been diagnosed SLE more than 7 years before, and 25 (31.65%) had the disease for more than 10 years. Only 19 (24.05%) had some work activity. Forty-two of them (53.17%) had depressive symptoms levels from mild to severe, and 51 (64.46%) reported pain levels of 5, or above. The study found a significant association between depressive symptoms and pain (p = 0.013) and depressive symptoms and work activity (p = 0.02). When we examined the perception of social support, the results showed high levels among participants. Using the Spearman correlation test we found a strong correlation between depressive symptoms and social support (p= 0,000037). It means that the higher the frequency of support, the lower the score of depression. These findings are relevant because depressive symptoms in patients with SLE have a multicausal and multifactorial character and may remain unnoticed, since many of them are confused with the manifestations of the disease. This fact requires a careful assessment from professionals, not only in the clinical setting, but also considering other psychosocial reasons, that may be influencing the emergence or worsening of symptoms. These results also corroborate other studies, which not only confirm the predictive role of social support in the physical wellbeing, but also in the psychological.

Mulheres com l��pus eritematoso sist��mico: sintomas depressivos e apoio social percebido

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, rare, multisystem, with a very heterogeneous clinical and serological manifestations standard. The patient, in addition to suffering injuries on his physical and physiological functioning, may also face a number of psychosocial problems. Research indicates that SLE can cause significant damage to the psychological realm, especially with the presence of anxiety and depression. In 1999, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), proposed the establishment of 19 neuropsychiatric clinical syndromes attributed to SLE. Depression lies between mood disorders and is one of the most common psychiatric manifestations in this group, being found more frequently in these patients than in the general population. Studies also suggest that social support plays an important role in the development of coping strategies, in SLE management and depression. This study has as main objective verify the association between depressive symptoms and perceived social support in patients with SLE. The specific objectives turned to: investigte the prevalence of depressive symptoms; investigate the perceived social support and verify if there is an association between depression, social support and sociodemographic variables. We used a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Scale, and the Perceived Social Support Scale. The analysis was performed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The final sample could count with 79 SLE women, with an average age of 35.7 years. 44 (55.7%) of the participants were married. Only 6 (7.59%) had completed higher education and 32 (40.51%) have not finished high school. Seventy-one (89.87%) had an income below three minimum salaries and 71 (89.87) practiced a religion, and the Catholic (67.71%) was the most mentioned by them. Of the total sample, 37 (46.74%) had been diagnosed SLE more than 7 years before, and 25 (31.65%) had the disease for more than 10 years. Only 19 (24.05%) had some work activity. Forty-two of them (53.17%) had depressive symptoms levels from mild to severe, and 51 (64.46%) reported pain levels of 5, or above. The study found a significant association between depressive symptoms and pain (p = 0.013) and depressive symptoms and work activity (p = 0.02). When we examined the perception of social support, the results showed high levels among participants. Using the Spearman correlation test we found a strong correlation between depressive symptoms and social support (p= 0,000037). It means that the higher the frequency of support, the lower the score of depression. These findings are relevant because depressive symptoms in patients with SLE have a multicausal and multifactorial character and may remain unnoticed, since many of them are confused with the manifestations of the disease. This fact requires a careful assessment from professionals, not only in the clinical setting, but also considering other psychosocial reasons, that may be influencing the emergence or worsening of symptoms. These results also corroborate other studies, which not only confirm the predictive role of social support in the physical wellbeing, but also in the psychological.

The Relationship Between Support Systems and Disease Burden for Families Coping with Sickle Cell Disease in South Africa and Cameroon

<p>Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a debilitating genetic blood disorder that seriously impacts the quality of life of affected individuals and their families. With 85% of cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, it is essential to identify the barriers and facilitators of optimal outcomes for people with SCD in this setting. This study focuses on understanding the relationship between support systems and disease outcomes for SCD patients and their families in Cameroon and South Africa. </p><p>Methods: This mixed-methods study utilizes surveys and semi-structured interviews to assess the experiences of 29 SCD patients and 28 caregivers of people with SCD across three cities in two African countries: Cape Town, South Africa; Yaound��, Cameroon; and Limbe, Cameroon. </p><p>Results: Patients in Cameroon had less treatment options, a higher frequency of pain crises, and a higher incidence of malaria than patients in South Africa. Social support networks in Cameroon consisted of both family and friends and provided emotional, financial, and physical assistance during pain crises and hospital admissions. In South Africa, patients relied on a strong medical support system and social support primarily from close family members; they were also diagnosed later in life than those in Cameroon.</p><p>Conclusions: The strength of medical support systems influences the reliance of SCD patients and their caregivers on social support systems. In Cameroon the health care system does not adequately address all factors of SCD treatment and social networks of family and friends are used to complement the care received. In South Africa, strong medical and social support systems positively affect SCD disease burden for patients and their caregivers. SCD awareness campaigns are necessary to reduce the incidence of SCD and create stronger social support networks through increased community understanding and decreased stigma.</p>

Social-Cognitive Determinants of Success in Online Communities for Weight Management

<p>Background: Online communities may be an effective, convenient, and relatively inexpensive intervention platform for individuals seeking assistance with weight management. Recent research suggests that these communities may be as effective as in-person treatments for weight management; however, very little is known about the characteristics that predict weight loss amongst those using an online community. Methods: Within a social-cognitive framework, we sought to identify the psychosocial characteristics that are associated with successful weight management for users of MyFitnessPal, a popular online community for weight management. We recruited participants who were new to the online community and asked them to complete 2 surveys (one at baseline and one 3 months later) that assessed various psychosocial constructs as well as self-reported height and weight. Results: Participants in our sample reported losing, on average, 4.55 kg during the 3-month time period. We found that engaging in weight control behaviors (e.g., monitoring food intake, weighing oneself, etc.) fully mediated the relationship between several of our variables of interest (i.e., baseline self-efficacy and perceived social support within the community) and weight loss. We also found that participants who expected to lose more weight at baseline were significantly more likely to have lost more weight at follow-up. Conclusions: On average, participants in our study lost a clinically meaningful amount of weight. Predictors of weight loss within this community included perceived support within the community (mediated by weight control behaviors), baseline self-efficacy (mediated by weight control behaviors), and baseline outcome expectations. Results of this study can ultimately serve to inform the design of future eHealth interventions for weight management.</p>

Utilizing ICT to prevent loneliness and social isolation of the elderly. A literature review

Ageing of the population is a worldwide phenomenon. Numerous ICT-based solutions have been developed for elderly care but mainly connected to the physiological and nursing aspects in services for the elderly. Social work is a profession that should pay attention to the comprehensive wellbeing and social needs of the elderly. Many people experience loneliness and depression in their old age, either as a result of living alone or due to a lack of close family ties and reduced connections with their culture of origin, which results in an inability to participate actively in community activities (Singh &amp; Misra, 2009). Participation in society would enhance the quality of life. With the development of information technology, the use of technology in social work practice has risen dramatically. The aim of this literature review is to map out the state of the art of knowledge about the usage of ICT in elderly care and to figure out research-based knowledge about the usability of ICT for the prevention of loneliness and social isolation of elderly people. The data for the current research comes from the core collection of the Web of Science and the data searching was performed using Boolean? The searching resulted in 216 published English articles. After going through the topics and abstracts, 34 articles were selected for the data analysis that is based on a multi approach framework. The analysis of the research approach is categorized according to some aspects of using ICT by older adults from the adoption of ICT to the impact of usage, and the social services for them. This literature review focused on the function of communication by excluding the applications that mainly relate to physical nursing. The results show that the so-called ���digital divide��� still exists, but the older adults have the willingness to learn and utilise ICT in daily life, especially for communication. The data shows that the usage of ICT can prevent the loneliness and social isolation of older adults, and they are eager for technical support in using ICT. The results of data analysis on theoretical frames and concepts show that this research field applies different theoretical frames from various scientific fields, while a social work approach is lacking. However, a synergic frame of applied theories will be suggested from the perspective of social work.