The relationship between community integration and mental health recovery in people with mental health issues living in the community: A quantitative study

Abstract

Introduction: Although community integration of people with mental health difficulties and a consumer‐centred recovery paradigm are of global importance, little research has been conducted on community integration factors that directly affect mental health recovery.

Aim: This study investigated the relationship between community integration and mental health recovery in people with mental health difficulties living in the community in South Korea.

Method: Data were collected from 155 people with mental health difficulties living in the community, using the Self‐Reporting Scale of Community Integration and the Mental Health Recovery Measure (Korean version), and analysed using hierarchical regression analysis.

Results: Among the community integration subscales, independence/self‐actualization, psychological integration and social support were significant factors in mental health recovery, explaining 47.3% of the variance.

Discussion: An effective intervention strategy for mental health recovery of people with mental health difficulties living in the community may reinforce community integration by carefully considering independence/self‐actualization, psychological integration and social support.

Implications for practice: Mental health nurses should provide intervention to people with mental health difficulties living in the community to help them develop strategies for functioning independently, experiencing a sense of achievement and developing a sense belonging in the community.