Perceptions of the importance of physical setting in substance abuse treatment.
Research indicates that architectural design can provide therapeutic effects. Six setting characteristics are considered of primary importance in health-care facilities: comforts and conveniences, safety, attractiveness, size, privacy, and arrangement/location. This study presents the perceptions regarding these and other setting features held by female clients and staff from a substance abuse treatment facility. Results support the importance of these six setting characteristics in influencing clients' treatment goals. Four other setting variables emerged as important to women's recovery: participation in a residential, drug-free, gender-specific program that provides on-site child care. Attention to these variables may provide facilities with an advantage in today's competitive market for clients.
Grosenick
J K
JK
College of Education, University of Oregon, Eugene 97403, USA. JudithG@oregon.uoregon.edu
Hatmaker
C M
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy*