Understanding the influence of resilience for people with a lived experience of mental illness: A self-determination theory perspective

Authors

Dana J. Perlman, University of WollongongFollow
Christopher F. Patterson, University of WollongongFollow
Lorna Moxham, University of WollongongFollow
Ellie K. Taylor, University of WollongongFollow
Renee M. Brighton, University of WollongongFollow
Susan Sumskis, Nan Tien InstituteFollow
Tim Heffernan, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health DistrictFollow

RIS ID

116679

Publication Details

Perlman, D., Patterson, C., Moxham, L., Taylor, E. K., Brighton, R., Sumskis, S. & Heffernan, T. (2017). Understanding the influence of resilience for people with a lived experience of mental illness: A self-determination theory perspective. Journal of Community Psychology, 45 (8), 1026-1032.

Abstract

Behaviors associated with resilience can be seen as tantamount to coping with stress and vulnerability. This is important for people who live with mental illness. This study aimed to determine whether key basic psychological needs influence resilience among people with a lived experience of mental illness. A total of 159 consumers with a lived experience of mental illness completed self-report surveys measuring resilience and the basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) espoused in self-determination theory. A 2-step analysis was conducted, including Pearson product correlations and stepwise multiple regression. Higher levels of relatedness significantly predicted resilience. Competence and autonomy did not have a significant influence on resilience. Reconnecting or establishing social relationships within ones community is important for people living with mental illness. The link between resilience and relatedness ought to be considered in treatment plans.