J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2008 Mar;47(2):190-199.

Effects of Structural and Functional Characteristics of Social Network on Social Adjustment in People With Mental Illness

• Jung SH
• Lee JH
• Seo MK

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of structural and functional characteristics of social network on social adjustment in people with mental illness.
METHODS
236 members of the people with mental illness who were enrolled in day hospital, community mental health center and social rehabilitation center participated in the survey.
RESULTS
Of structural and functional characteristics of social network, the influenced factors on social adjustment were network size of professional, social support (family, friend and professional) and conflict with professional. When controlling socio-demographic and disorder characteristics, this regression model affected significantly on social adjustment but the power of influence reduced slightly.
CONCLUSION
In order to improve the social adjustment of people with mental illness, it is necessary for social network to provide them with more emotional and social resources. Especially, it is important for mental health professionals to build active partnership with the people with mental illness as consumer. For people with mental illness, the economic stability through guaranteed income such as disability benefits, and occupational rehabilitation is very important.

Keyword

Social network; Social adjustment; People with mental ill

MeSH Terms

Friends
Hospitals, Community
Humans
Mental Health
Rehabilitation Centers
Social Adjustment