The Relationship Between Housing Characteristics, Emotional Well-Being and the Personal Empowerment of Psychiatric Consumer/Survivors

In this research, we examine the relationships between the housing characteristics and dimensions of community adaptation for 107 psychiatric consumer/survivors. Hypotheses about which housing characteristics best predict which dimensions of adaptation were made based on previous research and theory. Using a longitudinal research design, we found, after controlling for demographic variables and prior adaptation, that the number of living companions, housing concerns, and having a private room all significantly predicted different dimensions of community adaptation. The findings partially support our theoretical expectations and illuminate the relationship between physical, social and organizational aspects of community-based housing and the adaptation of psychiatric consumer/survivors. We discuss the implications of the results for policy and practice in providing housing for this population. (Authors)

Publication Date: 
1998
Pages: 
57-69
Volume: 
34
Issue: 
1
Journal Name: 
Community Mental Health Journal