%0 Journal Article
%T Critical moments in long
%A Caroline Sanders
%A Rebecca L Morris
%J Chronic Illness
%@ 1745-9206
%D 2018
%R 10.1177/1742395317714033
%X Recent literature has demonstrated the nature and importance of social networks. This study aimed to understand how support needs of people with long-term conditions change over time and how this influences their ability to self-manage. A longitudinal qualitative design was used to explore changes in individual¡¯s social networks over a period of year. Thirty participants were recruited and completed initial in-depth face-to-face interviews, telephone follow-ups, and final face-to-face interviews. Findings illuminated that changes in health and changes in social networks can influence each other. The social networks implicated in the management of long-term conditions change over time at critical moments and can range between positive and negative reciprocal influences with self-management. Network changes, such as the breaking or reconnecting of ties influenced the context of health management and the degree of engagement with self-management activities. By examining the specific processes of support and resource provision, this study highlights how overtime the variety of relationships and support available implicated in long-term condition management changes. This has implications for the provision of formal support services and the need for a wider range of support to be identified that recognises change in support requirements as self-management strategies evolve
%K Social networks
%K longitudinal
%K qualitative
%K long-term condition management
%K UK
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1742395317714033