The roles of clinical and nonclinical dimensions of recovery in promoting community activities for individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

OBJECTIVE

The present study examines the relationships between theoretical domains of recovery as put forth by Whitley and Drake (Whitley, R., & Drake, R. [2010]. Recovery: A dimensional approach. Psychiatric Services, 61, 1248-1250). Specifically, it proposes that nonclinical components of recovery can mediate, or account for, the relationship between clinical recovery (e.g., less psychiatric distress) and more participation in community activities.

METHOD

Three hundred adults recruited from an outpatient community mental health population were interviewed once using self-report questionnaires about community experiences, social functioning, and psychiatric symptoms. Present analyses used the Recovery Assessment Scale, the Brief Symptom Inventory Global Severity Index, and a community activities measure designed for the study.

RESULTS

A series of linear regressions supported the model of nonclinical recovery as a mediator of the hypothesized relationship.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Findings hold implications for integrating the dimensions of recovery, as both components seem to promote community integration. Future research should further explore the relationships between all dimensions of recovery.