NCJ Number
126970
Date Published
1990
Length
20 pages
Annotation
A total of 221 bank employees from 3 large banks in the Greater Stockholm area (Sweden) and a bank in Jonkoping were interviewed in February 1983 to determine the nature and source of social support they received after having experienced armed robberies at their banks.
Abstract
"Social support" as defined in this study involves emotional support (esteem, affect, trust, concern, listening); appraisal support (affirmation, feedback, social comparison); informational support (advice, suggestion, directives, information); and instrumental support (money, labor, time, modification of the environment). The interviews focused on the employees' receipt of support from 15 groups, including relatives, coworkers, authorities, and various agencies. The analysis indicates that the most important groups providing social support were primary groups such as relatives, friends, and coworkers. People with whom the victims had previous supportive relationships were apparently those who were most supportive in the victimization circumstance. Negative experiences were reported with journalists and other curiosity seekers. There was significant difference between the sexes in the receipt of social support. Women, particularly young ones, had the social competence to activate social support in an existing social network. The male employees did not have the same social competence or social networks. 2 tables and 15-item bibliography