Informal support from black churches and the well-being of elderly blacks.

This paper explores the type of support black churches and families provide, and how that support relates to the well-being of elderly blacks. Findings indicate that the family network is perceived as more supportive than the church network, but that church support contributes to feelings of well-being. Perceptions of support from the churches and not the spiritual aspects of religion or involvement in organized religious activities were associated with well-being.