Predictors of two-year outcome among psychiatric outpatients.
This study hypothesized that social competence and clinical factors previously associated with psychiatric outcome among inpatients would be effective predictors of outcome among outpatients (N = 77) as well. Intake and 2-year outcome status were assessed multidimensionally with absolute-level and residualized indices of functioning, overall clinical status, and symptomatology. Menninger health-sickness proved to be the best single predictor, although Phillips premorbid functioning, Strauss-Carpenter prognosis, social class, and diagnostic severity also predicted well to outcome. Patterns of associated predictor/outcome variable clusters were described. Results suggest that a general social competence factor predicts to psychiatric outcome across the entire range of disorders, but that life events stress does not.
Harder
D W
DW
Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155.
Greenwald
D F
DF
Strauss
J S
JS
Kokes
R F
RF
Ritzler
B A
BA
Gift
T E
TE
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003155:Community Mental Health Centers; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008875:Middle Aged; D010556:Personality Tests; D012917:Social Adjustment