Neighborhood Experiences and Community Integration: Perspectives from Mental Health Consumers and Providers

This exploratory study examines the social interactional aspect of community integration among persons with psychiatric disabilities. Six focus groups were conducted with 18 mental health consumers in three publicly sponsored community residential programs and 11 staff members providing services to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Social work in mental health 2006-07, Vol.4 (3), p.45-59
Main Authors: Wong, Yin-Ling Irene, Metzendorf, Diane, Min, So-Young
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Biological and medical sciences
Clients
Community integration
Community Mental Health
community residential programs
Consumers
focus groups
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General Public
Illness and personality
Illness, stress and coping
Medical sciences
Mental Illness
Miscellaneous
persons with psychiatric disabilities
Psychology and medicine
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Residential Institutions
Social Integration
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Summary:This exploratory study examines the social interactional aspect of community integration among persons with psychiatric disabilities. Six focus groups were conducted with 18 mental health consumers in three publicly sponsored community residential programs and 11 staff members providing services to these consumers. Mental health consumers reported both positive and negative experiences in their interactions with community residents. Despite perceived differences between persons with psychiatric disabilities and their neighbors, consumers considered reciprocity and mutual accommodation to be critical for building social relationships in their communities. Mental health providers suggested that social integration can be facilitated by developing independent living and social skills, by overcoming self-stigma and institutional and homeless mindsets, and by having a supportive community of consumers.
ISSN:1533-2985
1533-2993
DOI:10.1300/J200v04n03_03