Abstract
Background: Social support is linked to numerous biopsychosocial and vocational outcomes for persons with and without disabilities and is particularly salient to those living with psychiatric disabilities (PD). Studies show that persons with PD have smaller social networks, lack community participation, and experience loneliness and isolation. At present, the personal and environmental variables contributing to social support for persons with PD needs further investigation. Aims: a) To determine whether persons with PD can be clustered into social support groups based on three types of social support; b) to determine how the clusters differ on eight psychosocial variables; and c) to determine how the clusters differ on seven recovery and five stigma coping variables. Method: The sample comprised of 101 adults with PD attending psychosocial rehabilitation programs in NYC and Boston area. Correlational, hierarchical cluster analysis and ANO VA were employed. Results: Two cluster groups were found: High- and Low- Social Support. The High-Social Support group was characterized by lower program attendance, living with family and friends, fewer jobs since age 18, more support providers, better quality of life and mental health recovery, and lower levels of loneliness and symptom distress. Discussion: Personal and environmental variables that contribute to high and low levels of social support are important areas to address in practice and research.