Psychosocial Aspects of Geographic Relocation: The Development of a New Social Network

The United States is a strikingly mobile nation. Every year almost 20 percent of its population changes residence and about 45 percent moves at least once every five years. Relocation, however, can be a stressful life experience which impacts physical and emotional health and family life. Although there has been extensive research on the role of social support in moderating stress, there has been little attention in the literature to the way in which networks naturally evolve and change over time. This study of newly relocated adults describes the early development of social networks. Two structured interviews were completed three months apart. Although an increase in levels of intimacy occurred over time, the new networks were in transition and unstable. Newcomers received minimal social support even after several months and were increasingly dissatisfied with friendships. Implications for clinical practice and employee assistance programs are discussed.