Social network bridging potential and the use of complementary and alternative medicine in later life

摘要: The use of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) is typically modeled as a function individual health beliefs, including changes in perceptions conventional medicine, an orientation toward more holistic care, and increasing patient involvement care decision-making. Expanding on research that shows health-related behavior shaped by social networks, this paper examines the possibility CAM usage partly individuals' network structure. We argue people are likely to adopt when they bridges between members who otherwise not (or poorly) connected each other. This circumstance only provides individuals with access wider range information about treatment options, it also reduces risk sanctioning if one deviates from forms treatment. test idea using data National Social Life, Health, Aging Project (NSHAP), nationally representative study older Americans. Analyses egocentric show adults bridging potential their networks significantly engage greater number types CAM. close discussing alternative explanations these findings implications for usage.