Abstract
The general importance of an individual's support network has been recognized in the field of community mental health; yet a more detailed understanding of how a client's available social ties may contribute to his or her adjustment is presently lacking. This study used network analysis to examine differences in the social networks of mental health clients to identify factors associated with positive social adjustment. Subjects were selected from three different types of mental health programs as well as from the general population of Marion County, Oregon. Results generally revealed that subjects from the community sample more often would look to immediate family members for support. Better functioning chronic clients emphasized professional contacts, whereas more poorly adjusted chronic clients would look to friends for support. The results have implications both for understanding the nature of the support available to a client and mobilizing the support resources of the existing network of relationships to aid adjustment to community living.
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Additional information
The authors, affiliated with the Oregon Mental Health Division, would like to acknowledge the help of the following people: Dr. Al Sheff, Clinical Director, Oregon State Hospital (OSH); Donna Clark, R. N., B. S. N., Nursing Day Supervisor, Oregon State Hospital; the ward staff at OSH: Ruth Shirley, Ph.D., R.N., Director of Marion County Community Mental Health Program; Luce LeFleur, M.P.S., Supervisor of Screening Crisis Marion County Community Mental Health Program; Dave Drummond, Ph.D., Clinical Supervisor Marion County Day Treatment Program; Corinne Nygaard, Program Secretary; Jess Armas, MSW, Director of the Community Counseling Center in Salem, Oregon, and his staff; and Barry Kast, MSW, Program Manager for Day Treatment, Benton County Mental Health, and his staff. Without their generous help, this study would not have been possible. Special thanks if given to Jeanne Robinson, our efficient and tireless interviewer.
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Froland, C., Brodsky, G., Olson, M. et al. Social support and social adjustment: Implications for mental health professionals. Community Ment Health J 15, 82–93 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00757330
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00757330