The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60798

Gary Walby, MS, MSPH, Department of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, COPH, MDC 56, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33617, 727-846-9864, gwalby@hsc.usf.edu and Caroline F. Mae, MSW, Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, College of Public Health MDC56, 12901 Bruce B. Downs, Tampa, FL 33612.

Social networks provide a link between broader social determinants of health and more proximal influences, such as health behaviors, self-esteem, and individual coping. Social networks tend to be less dense and social support less stable for those with serious mental illnesses. Providers frequently become part of the network/support structure for clients. Limited research has studied individuals with a severe mental illness who are both client and mental health technician. Additionally, very few studies have been qualitative. This study addresses both deficits through a qualitative, experience-near research design that compares clients diagnosed with a severe mental illness, who are also staff members at a psychiatric drop-in center, with a patient-only sample regarding their social networks and social support. In-depth interviews were conducted with staff/patients and were compared to other patients, matched for age, diagnosis and gender. Clients provide reasons why social networks diminish with the onset of mental illness and also account for changes in perceived social support. Clients in dual roles experience stress while transferring roles from provider to client. This shift highlights the power differential between staff and client. Finally, clients provide suggestions and critiques regarding attempts to assist and expand their social networks. Qualitative methods provide much needed contextual information regarding the social networks and support of individuals with a severe mental illness. Preliminary conclusions indicate that heightened stress and role confusion separate those with dual roles of staff/client from those as client-only and should be further investigated for the effects on psychiatric stability.

Learning Objectives:

• To articulate three benefits of using a qualitative approach to investigating social networks and the severely mentally ill.
• To describe four ways in that mental illness impacts on social networks.
• To evaluate the appropriateness of a dual role program on client psychiatric stability.

Keywords: Sever Mental Illness, Roles

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.