Open AccessEffects of Sheltered Care Environments and Resident Characteristics on the Development of Social Networks
Author(s) -
Steven Segal,
Jane Holschuh
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
psychiatric services
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1557-9700
pISSN - 1075-2730
DOI - 10.1176/ps.42.11.1125
Subject(s) - institutionalisation , psychopathology , social support , psychology , social environment , gerontology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , medicine , psychotherapist , sociology , social science
Two hundred and thirty-four members of a 1973 sample of sheltered care residents, three-fourths of whom had schizophrenic disorders, were followed up between 1983 and 1985 to examine the role of supportive and of transitional, high-expectation sheltered care environments in the development of residents' social networks. The influences of revolving-door treatment experiences, psychopathology, and institutionalization were taken into account. The results showed that supportive rather than transitional, high-expectation environments contributed to the development of emotionally and instrumentally supportive social networks. Higher levels of psychopathology and a history of institutionalization resulted in the absence of certain support relationships. Surprisingly, revolving-door treatment experiences were related to positive support and social network outcomes.