The social networks of persons with severe mental illness in in-patient settings and supported community settings

The social networks of individuals with severe mental illness admitted to long-term in-patient settings and living in two types of supported housing, small congregate community residences and independent living with support, were compared. The Interview Schedule for Social Interaction (ISSI) was used. The results showed no substantial differences in social networks between the two types of supported community residences. These were pooled for further analyses and comparisons between in-patient settings and supported community settings. No differences were found between the two settings either for the four subscales of ISSI or for the overall ISSI score. Stepwise regression analysis revealed a positive association between perceived quality of life and social network and an inverse relation between negative symptoms and social network. Other factors possibly influencing social networks across housing settings are discussed. More qualitative data is called for in the study of social networks of persons with severe mental illness.