An evaluation of the social recreation component of a community mental health program.
The paper describes the results of an evaluation designed to determine the effectiveness of the social recreation component of a community-based mental health program. The program is for individuals with serious mental health problems, with a particular focus on those who perceive deficiencies in their social relationships. Findings showed that the individuals who participated in the program, in varying frequency, reported significant improvements in their self-ratings of loneliness, self-esteem, social functioning, satisfaction with social relations and leisure activities, as well as general life satisfaction. The association between particular program- or client-related factors and the outcome variables were examined to provide insights into why people changed. The merits and limitations of the evaluation methodology are discussed.
Petryshen
P M
PM
Providence Centre, 3276 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1L 1W1. ppetrysh@providence.on.ca
Hawkins
J D
JD
Fronchak
T A
TA
D000328:Adult; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D003256:Community Participation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D011998:Recreation; D012649:Self Concept