An Empirical Study of the Relationship Between Community Participation, Recovery, and Quality of Life of Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses

Background: Recovery and quality of life are key outcomes emphasized in mental health systems around the world. This study explores the extent to which efforts to facilitate community participation may enhance these outcomes. Methods: Six hundred and six individuals with serious mental illnesses completed measures of participation, recovery and quality of life. Results: Small, but statistically significant positive relationships between community participation and recovery and quality of life were found. Additional analyses identified specific participation areas that, if they are important and done sufficiently from the perspective of the respondent, resulted in higher levels of recovery and quality of life. Limitations: Correlational analyses do not allow for causal explanations. Conclusions: Results suggest that a greater emphasis on community participation, especially in specific areas that are important to the person and done sufficiently, may facilitate recovery and quality of life in community mental health systems. Implications and possible directions for policies and practices, especially within the context of Psychiatric Rehabilitation services, are offered.