Effects of sheltered care environments and resident characteristics on the development of social networks.

Two hundred and thirty-four members of a 1973 sample of sheltered care residents, three-fourths of whom had schizophrenic disorders, were followed up between 1983 and 1985 to examine the role of supportive and of transitional, high-expectation sheltered care environments in the development of residents' social networks. The influences of revolving-door treatment experiences, psychopathology, and institutionalization were taken into account. The results showed that supportive rather than transitional, high-expectation environments contributed to the development of emotionally and instrumentally supportive social networks. Higher levels of psychopathology and a history of institutionalization resulted in the absence of certain support relationships. Surprisingly, revolving-door treatment experiences were related to positive support and social network outcomes.