FORMAL AND INFORMAL CONFIDANTS AND WELL-BEING OF BRITISH AGED

Although it is somewhat paradoxical to think of formal relationships a s sources of intimacy, this exploratory research compared confidants d eveloped from formal and informal contacts and psychological well-bein g of older persons living in Britain. Data were analyzed from intervie ws with 79 persons to address several questions. Were formal confidant s developed in the absence of family and friends? Were formal or infor mal confidants superior in their effects on well-being? What personal circumstances contributed to or impeded confidant relationships? Were types of formal confidants (home helper, nurse, social worker) differe ntially related to well-being? Implications for practices are noted.