TY - JOUR
T1 - Interventions supporting meaningful connections for people with serious mental illness
T2 - a concept-framed systematic narrative review
AU - Patmisari, Emi
AU - Huang, Yunong
AU - Orr, Mark
AU - Govindasamy, Sumathi
AU - Hielscher, Emily
AU - McLaren, Helen
PY - 2025/1/18
Y1 - 2025/1/18
N2 - Purpose: Meaningful connections, encompassing relationships providing emotional support, understanding, acceptance, and a sense of belonging, are vital for social inclusion and well-being of Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). The mixed methods review critically explored multifaceted approaches supporting people with SMI to foster meaningful (non-intimate) social relationships or connections. Methods: Searches of eight electronic databases returned 4882 records. Duplicate removal, title abstract, then full-text, screening and hand searching resulted in 23 records for inclusion. Studies were integrated using the CIVIC Framework emphasising the importance of Closeness, Identity, Valued relationships, Involvement, feeling Cared for and accepted. Results: The review identified emotional and physical challenges, societal stigma, and other environmental factors to hinder making meaningful connections. Studies highlighted the necessity for interventions being adaptable, personalised, and encompassing of structured activities, peer and professional supports, and technology-assisted platforms. Conclusion: The complexity of social interactions for those with SMI call for comprehensive, holistic strategies to nurture social relationships within their communities.
AB - Purpose: Meaningful connections, encompassing relationships providing emotional support, understanding, acceptance, and a sense of belonging, are vital for social inclusion and well-being of Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). The mixed methods review critically explored multifaceted approaches supporting people with SMI to foster meaningful (non-intimate) social relationships or connections. Methods: Searches of eight electronic databases returned 4882 records. Duplicate removal, title abstract, then full-text, screening and hand searching resulted in 23 records for inclusion. Studies were integrated using the CIVIC Framework emphasising the importance of Closeness, Identity, Valued relationships, Involvement, feeling Cared for and accepted. Results: The review identified emotional and physical challenges, societal stigma, and other environmental factors to hinder making meaningful connections. Studies highlighted the necessity for interventions being adaptable, personalised, and encompassing of structured activities, peer and professional supports, and technology-assisted platforms. Conclusion: The complexity of social interactions for those with SMI call for comprehensive, holistic strategies to nurture social relationships within their communities.
KW - CIVIC framework
KW - Serious mental illness
KW - Severe mental illness
KW - SMI
KW - Social connection
KW - Social relationship
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85217201808&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s00127-025-02812-8
DO - 10.1007/s00127-025-02812-8
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85217201808
SN - 0933-7954
JO - Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
JF - Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
ER -
