Objective: In the last decade there has been growing interest in the process of recovery and the effects of social support on treatment outcomes for persons with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effects of social support on quality of life outcomes among persons with SPMI. Social support has been demonstrated to influence physical, emotional, and psychological health. However, little is known about the potential mediating effects of social support on quality of life outcomes in persons with SPMI. The current study uses longitudinal data to examine the mediating effect of social support on quality of life outcomes as measured by the Wisconsin Quality of Life Index (W-QLI). Methods: This study analyzes data collected from 693 community-dwelling persons with SPMI using the W-QLI, which includes eight semi-independent domains: life satisfaction, occupational activities, psychological well-being, physical health, social relations, economics, activities of daily living, and symptoms. In this study, the patient and the primary clinician independently assessed each domain. Longitudinal data are analyzed to examine the degree of concordance between client and provider views of the clients' level of social support and for the mediating effects of social support on each domain score and on the total overall quality of life score. Results: Study findings, implications, and directions for future research will be discussed. Methods to integrate social support interventions with mental health treatment to improve quality of life outcome will be described.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1) Identify benefits associated with social support in mental health 2) Describe mediating effects that social support has on quality of life outcomes in persons with severe and persistent mental illness 3) Discuss ways to increase the beneficial effects of social support among persons with severe and persistent mental illness to improve quality of life outcomes
Keywords: Mental Health, Quality of Life
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.