Why less may be more: a mixed methods study of the work and relatedness of ‘weak ties’ in supporting long-term condition self-management

Abstract

Weak ties act as an acceptable bridge between a sense of personal agency and control and the need for external support because it is possible to construct a sense of moral acceptability through reciprocal exchange. Access to weak tie resources needs to be taken into account when considering the ways in which systems of health implementation for chronic illness are designed and delivered.