Family network support and mental health recovery

J Marital Fam Ther. 2010 Jan;36(1):13-27. doi: 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2009.00182.x.

Abstract

Family members often provide critical support to persons living with a serious mental illness. The focus of this study was to determine which dimensions of the family support network were most important to the recovery process from the perspective of the recovering person. Consumers of a community mental health program completed in-depth structured interviews that included separate measures of social network support and recovery. Consumers named an average of 2.6 family members on the social network, interacted with family on a weekly basis, and were quite satisfied with their contact. This study revealed that support and reciprocity with family members are important dimensions of a personal support network that relates to the recovery process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Community Mental Health Centers / organization & administration*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Family Relations*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mental Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self-Help Groups
  • Social Support*
  • Social Work / organization & administration
  • Surveys and Questionnaires