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Variability in community functioning of mothers with serious mental illness

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Abstract

In thepost-deinstitutionalization era, everyday community functioning is an important aspect of assessment and treatment of individuals with serious mental illness. The current study focuses on correlates of community functioning among 332 low-income mothers with serious mental illness. Results revealed significant relationships between everyday functioning and a number of demographic, psychiatric, contextual, and mental health treatment variables. Current psychiatric symptoms accounted for the greatest amount of variance and completely mediated the effects of diagnosis and substance abuse history on community functioning; yet contextual variables such as financial worries and social support were also significant predictors, even after controlling for symptoms and other clinical characteristics. Additionally, use of mental health services was a significant moderator of the effect of social stress on community functioning. Implications of results for future research and practice are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 48824, East Lansing, MI

    Deborah Bybee PhD (Associate Professor)

  2. University of Michigan — School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, Michigan

    Carol T. Mowbray PhD (Associate Dean for Research and Associate Professor)

  3. Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan — School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, Michigan

    Daphna Oyserman PhD (Associate Professor) & Lisa Lewandowski PhD (Social Science Research Associate)

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  1. Deborah Bybee PhD
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  2. Carol T. Mowbray PhD
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  3. Daphna Oyserman PhD
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  4. Lisa Lewandowski PhD
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Correspondence to Deborah Bybee PhD.

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Bybee, D., Mowbray, C.T., Oyserman, D. et al. Variability in community functioning of mothers with serious mental illness. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 30, 269–289 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02287317

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