Social Networks over the Life Course: Continuity, Context, and Consequences by Jasmine A. Manalel A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology) at the University of Michigan 2018 Doctoral Committee: Professor Toni C. Antonucci, Chair Associate Professor Kira S. Birditt Professor Kai S. Cortina Professor Berit Ingersoll-Dayton Professor Jacqui Smith Jasmine A. Manalel
[email protected] ORCID id: 0000-0003-0291-6293 © Jasmine Manalel 2018 DEDICATION To the memory of my godfather, Thomas Pannaparayil, the first in my family to obtain a doctorate. His final words to me before his passing were, “I want to hear about your dissertation.” This is for him. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS “Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” — Jane Howard The quote above foreshadows the topic of this dissertation, capturing the importance of social networks for all people. I am fortunate to have begun my doctoral training with the support of a strong social network, and I continued to build my network over the past five years. I have been supported, challenged, and inspired by my mentors, colleagues, friends, and family. I have so many people to thank for helping me reach this point. First, I have had the privilege of working with two incredible advisors, Toni Antonucci and Jacqui Smith. They held me to the highest of standards and provided me with the time and space to meet them. Thank you, Toni, for seeing my potential, pushing me to realize that potential, especially when I found it difficult to push myself, and for always seeking out opportunities that allow me to grow as a person, a scientist, and a scholar.