Binding and nonbinding integration: the relational costs and rewards of social ties on mental health

Mitch Berbrier; Aileen Schulte

doi:10.1016/S0192-0812(00)80003-3

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Research in Community and Mental Health

ISSN: 0192-0812
Series editor(s): William H. Fischer

Subject Area: Health Care Management/Healthcare

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Binding and nonbinding integration: the relational costs and rewards of social ties on mental health

Document Information:
Title:	Binding and nonbinding integration: the relational costs and rewards of social ties on mental health
Author(s):	Mitch Berbrier, Aileen Schulte
Volume:	11 Editor(s): Joseph P. Morrissey ISBN: 978-0-76230-671-8 eISBN: 978-1-84950-058-6
Citation:	Mitch Berbrier, Aileen Schulte (2000), Binding and nonbinding integration: the relational costs and rewards of social ties on mental health, in Joseph P. Morrissey (ed.) 11 (Research in Community and Mental Health, Volume 11), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, pp.3-27
DOI:	10.1016/S0192-0812(00)80003-3 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Article type:	Full length article
Abstract:	This paper explores the relationship between social integration and mental health.We extend the notions of relational costs and relational rewards (Levinger and Huesmann 1980), and we introduce the concepts of binding and nonbinding social integration. Binding social ties include obligatory relations, such as those with family or at work; nonbinding integration represents more voluntary relationships, such as those with friends, neighbors, or membership in various organizations. We argue (1) that the direct effects of social integration on psychological distress arise out of the more proximate effects of relational costs and rewards, and (2) that costs are more associated with binding integration, while rewards are more associated with nonbinding integration. We test these hypotheses using a two wave panel study of individuals from the Indianapolis area (N = 486) and find some support for our claims. Most clearly we find that the binding nature of relationships seems to effect mental health outcomes. Because of inherent limitations regarding how costs and rewards of relationships have been measured—both traditionally and in our data—support for our ideas about relational costs and rewards is more tenuous and will require further investigation. We conclude that the main effect of social integration may fruitfully be addressed by considering the binding or nonbinding nature of social ties as the source of relational costs and rewards which directly affect mental health.