title: Network Environments and Well-Being: An Examination of Personal Network Structure, Social Capital, and Perceived Social Support.
abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated the role of social networks, social capital, and social support in individuals' well-being. However, the ways in which these related constructs simultaneously influence one's well-being outcomes and relate to one another have not been closely examined. This study pays particular attention to the structural characteristics of personal networks, distinction between offline and online social capital, and different indicators of well-being outcomes. Based on survey data collected from 574 college students, the study found that two dimensions of personal networks-density and gender homophily-and social capital in the form of offline bonding capital explained perceived social support. Further, perceived social support consistently predicted well-being outcomes and played a mediating role between personal network density and well-being, as well as between offline bonding capital and well-being. The results offer implications for a more nuanced understanding of the role of individuals' interpersonal and social environments in well-being outcomes.
authors.affiliation: a Brian Lamb School of Communication , Purdue University.
authors.forename: Seungyoon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: b School of Communications , Howard University.
authors.forename: Jae Eun
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: c Department of Communication , Yonsei University.
authors.forename: Namkee
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D066270:Social Capital; D012931:Social Environment; D060756:Social Networking; D012944:Social Support; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult