The roles of clinical and nonclinical dimensions of recovery in promoting community activities for individuals with psychiatric disabilities

Abstract

Objective: The present study examines the relationships between theoretical domains of recovery as put forth by Whitley and Drake (Whitley, R., & Drake, R. [2010]. Recovery: A dimensional approach. Psychiatric Services, 61, 1248-1250). Specifically, it proposes that nonclinical components of recovery can mediate, or account for, the relationship between clinical recovery (e.g., less psychiatric distress) and more participation in community activities.

Method: Three hundred adults recruited from an outpatient community mental health population were interviewed once using self-report questionnaires about community experiences, social functioning, and psychiatric symptoms. Present analyses used the Recovery Assessment Scale, the Brief Symptom Inventory Global Severity Index, and a community activities measure designed for the study.

Results: A series of linear regressions supported the model of nonclinical recovery as a mediator of the hypothesized relationship.

Conclusions and implications for practice: Findings hold implications for integrating the dimensions of recovery, as both components seem to promote community integration. Future research should further explore the relationships between all dimensions of recovery.