Perceived Social Standing in Assisted Living Communities: A Mixed-Methods Study of Social Hierarchies Among Residents

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to measure perceived social standing within an assisted living (PSS-AL), and to identify individual determinants and empirical correlates of this construct. The sample consisted of 200 residents of 21 assisted livings (ALs). A self-anchoring ladder measured PSS-AL (M= 6.95,SD= 2.04) and an open-ended follow-up question assessed individual determinants of PSS-AL ratings. In a multiple regression, mental health (beta= .27,p= .001), intimate staff-resident relationships (beta= .22,p= .024), and extraversion (beta= .27,p< .001) were significant predictors of PSS-AL. Qualitative findings revealed that inter-personal factors, prosocial behaviors, and health were key determinants of PSS-AL. Results highlight the social demands of AL and associated implications for residents with varying social abilities, skills, and interests. Findings also suggest that staff-resident relationships may shape and-or reinforce resident social hierarchies. The authors discuss implications for research and practice.