Correlates of survival for the community based mental health patient

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to explore community survival of community based mental health patients in terms of social and psychological factors based on the theoretical framework of social ecology. Two measures of community adjustment were used: recidivism and satisfaction. The research question was the extent to which these outcome measures could be predicted clients' perceptions of their psycho-social environment (as measured by the Community Oriented Programs Environment Scale), and their psychological and physical well-being (as measured by the Level of Care Survey). Sixty-two residents in nine Residential Care Facilities were interviewed. Results indicated that recidivism could be partially predicted from psychological well-being and participants' perception of their psycho-social environment. Autonomy, support, order and organization, and involvement subscales were partially predictive of satisfaction. No conclusions were reached about the use of satisfaction as an outcome measure. Methodological issues and recommendations for further research are discussed.