Perceived control among people with severe mental illness: a comparative study

Authors

Christopher F. Patterson, University of WollongongFollow
Lorna Moxham, University of WollongongFollow
Ellie K. Taylor, University of WollongongFollow
Susan Liersch, University of WollongongFollow
Dana J. Perlman, University of WollongongFollow
Renee M. Brighton, University of WollongongFollow
Tim Heffernan, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
Emily Keough, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

107225

Publication Details

Patterson, C., Moxham, L., Taylor, E., Liersch, S., Perlman, D., Brighton, R., Heffernan, T. & Keough, E. (2016). Perceived control among people with severe mental illness: a comparative study. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 30 (5), 563-567.

Abstract

Background Given the importance of perceived control to mental health and recovery, research is needed to determine strategies to increase perceived control for people with a mental illness. Aim Investigate the implications of a therapeutic recreation program on the perceived control of people with a mental illness. Method Participants of an intervention group (n = 27) and comparison group (n = 18) completed the Perceived Control Across Domains Scale at three time intervals. Subscale and total scores were analysed. Results and Discussion Significant variation occurred in the perceived control areas of substance use, personal cognition and personal empowerment. Implications A unique nurse led therapeutic recreation initiative, such as Recovery Camp, can improve and maintain facets of perceived control among people with mental illness.