title: Sources of social support and community integration among persons with serious mental illnesses in Korea.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Community integration is an important component of recovery for persons with serious mental illnesses (SMI). However, persons with SMI often experience barriers in using community resources, participating in community activities, and developing interactions with neighbors and other community members.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study examines the association between different sources of social support, including family, friends and mental health services providers, and three dimensions of community integration.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 399 persons with SMI was interviewed from community-based mental health service agencies in South Korea.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Family support and friendship support positively influenced all three aspects of community integration. More support from mental health professionals was associated with increased perceived accessibility to community resources but decreased involvement in community activities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recommendations are made in supporting the role of natural networks and in advocating for a consumer-centered approach to service delivery.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Social Welfare , Kyonggi University , Gyeonggi , South Korea and.
authors.forename: So-Young
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Min
authors.affiliation: b School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA.
authors.forename: Yin-Ling Irene
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D062309:Community Integration / Q000523:psychology*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Community integration; Korea; mental health; social support