Abstract
Reducing dependency on professionals and social integration has been a major goal of recovery-oriented mental health services.
This cross-sectional study examined 531 male outpatients at three public mental health centers in Southern Connecticut. Hierarchical
multiple regression analyses were conducted to answer: (1) Do clients who have more severe clinical problems rely more on
professional support and mental health services, and rely less on natural supports? (2) Do clients who have greater natural
supports rely less on professional support and mental health services? Results found clients with more severe clinical problems
do not rely more on professional support and report less natural social support. Natural support was also found to be a complement,
rather than a substitute for professional support. These findings suggest the social integration of male clients with severe
mental illness may include being more connected to mental health providers even as they develop increasing natural supports.
This cross-sectional study examined 531 male outpatients at three public mental health centers in Southern Connecticut. Hierarchical
multiple regression analyses were conducted to answer: (1) Do clients who have more severe clinical problems rely more on
professional support and mental health services, and rely less on natural supports? (2) Do clients who have greater natural
supports rely less on professional support and mental health services? Results found clients with more severe clinical problems
do not rely more on professional support and report less natural social support. Natural support was also found to be a complement,
rather than a substitute for professional support. These findings suggest the social integration of male clients with severe
mental illness may include being more connected to mental health providers even as they develop increasing natural supports.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s11414-011-9266-7
- Authors
- Jack Tsai, VA New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, 950 Campbell Ave., 151D, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Rani A. Desai, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Robert A. Rosenheck, VA New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, 950 Campbell Ave., 151D, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Journal The Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research
- Online ISSN 1556-3308
- Print ISSN 1094-3412