THE SOCIAL NETWORK OF THE AGITATED NURSING-HOME RESIDENT

Syndromes of agitation (aggressive, physically nonaggressive, verbal) were compared to dimensions of the social network (intimacy, size/density) in 408 nursing home residents. Results showed that the social networks of aggressive residents and verbally agitated residents were lacking in intimacy. Social networks of physically nonaggressive residents were neutral, even though these persons were severely cognitively impaired, as were the aggressive residents. The size/density of the social network did not differentiate agitated individuals from other residents.