Factors influencing life satisfaction in psychiatric rehabilitation

The results of this study did not support the hypothesized relationship between program participation and life satisfaction. The only variable associated with level of participation in the rehabilitation program that demonstrated a significant relationship with the dependent variable was length of stay, which was negatively correlated with life satisfaction. On the other hand, the findings did support hypotheses regarding the influence of mastery and discharge congruence in predicting life satisfaction. The study also found that these two independent variables were not correlated with each other, which indicates that subjective perceptions of mastery and obtaining one's discharge goals represent different domains that independently influence life satisfaction. Skill level at time of discharge also was not associated with life satisfaction after discharge. However, there was a significant relationship between the skills level variables and the program participation variables. These results are similar to the findings of Barry and Crosby (1996), who found that skill level and quality of life are separate constructs that make distinct contributions to the evaluation of community success. Results of this study also support their contention that the aspects of care which influence subjective quality of life for individuals experiencing serious and persistent mental illness are those that enhance perceptions of control and mastery. The findings of this study are also consistent with the strengths model developed by Rapp (1998) and colleagues. According to the strengths model, life satisfaction and a sense of competency are both influenced by the quality of niches or major life domains that a person inhabits. Study participants who were not able to go to their chosen placement settings may be characterized as occupying an 'entrapping niche' (Rapp, p.27, 1998). This adversely influences overall life satisfaction as well as satisfaction with one's living situation. Failure to find a significant correlation between skills levels at discharge and subsequent life satisfaction in the community supports the assertion that skills are an interim goal rather than a final rehabilitation outcome. These findings are consistent with research done on the strengths model of case management which found that skills influence life satisfaction only when they help individuals achieve goals they have set for themselves.