The significance of peer social support in intensive case management / by Amelia Rocco Klein.

Format:

Book

Manuscript

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Klein, Amelia Rocco.

Contributor:

Cnaan, Ram A., advisor.

University of Pennsylvania.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Penn dissertations--Social work.

Social work--Penn dissertations.

Local Subjects:

Penn dissertations--Social work.

Social work--Penn dissertations.

Physical Description:

various pagings ; 29 cm

Production:

1996.

Summary:

Individuals suffering from mental illness often lack social support and those suffering both mental illness and substance abuse are even more isolated. These individuals are considered high-risk because they are more likely to be readmitted to psychiatric hospitals; disengage from services; become sick, homeless or jailed; and engage in violent behaviors.

Intensive case management (ICM) is a rehabilitative intervention strategy within the community support system (CSS) specifically designed to meet the needs of high-risk clients. Peer social support (PSS) is an important part of CSS.

The substance abuse and mental health literature recognize the important role social support networks play in the rehabilitation process. However, literature discussing a combined approach has failed to examine whether linking mentally-ill substance abusers to a PSS network would significantly affect system outcomes and quality of life.

The hypothesis addressed in this pilot study is that high-risk, dually-diagnosed clients who receive the services of both an ICM and a PSS will experience fewer crises and fewer inpatient hospitalizations; improve their social functioning; and, perceive improvement in the quality of their life (QOL) compared to clients receiving ICM only.

A field study design was used. Data were collected from 61 high-risk, substancing abusing ICM clients at a CMHC who had been receiving ICM since February, 1994. This group was divided into two groups. The treatment group consisted of ten randomly selected clients. This group received a PSS for a six-month period. The comparison group (N = 51) received ICM only. Both groups were also offered pre- and post-QOL interviews.

Findings suggest that coupling PSS with ICM is associated with positive system outcomes. The number of crises events of the comparison group far exceeded that of the treatment group. The number of hospitalizations as well were dramatically lowered. Additionally, clients in the treatment group reported improved quality of life and perceived that their physical and emotional well-being had improved over the course of the six-month period.

Notes:

Thesis (D.S.W. of Social Work) -- University of Pennsylvania, 1996.

Includes bibliographical references.

OCLC:

187452080