Perceptions Of Social Support Research Articles

Influence of physical activity level and perceived social support on mental health and psychological distress in women with menopause problems

ABSTRACT Perceived Social Support (PSS) and Physical Activity (PA) could have an important role in reducing psychological distress in women with problems in the menopausal period. The aim was to analyze the associations between a) Self-Perceived Health (SPH), prevalence of self-reported depression and anxiety, and mental health and its subscales, through the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) with b) the Physical Activity Level (PAL) and c) the PSS, through the Duke-UNC-11 functional social support questionnaire in Spanish women with problems in the menopausal period. This document uses data from the Spanish National Health Survey of 2017, focusing on women between 40 and 69 years of age with problems in the menopausal period. Dependency relationships were found between the prevalence of depression and PAL, anxiety and PAL, and SPH with PAL (p < 0.001). Weak inverse correlations were found between PAL and mental health, Coping Success, Self-confidence, and Stress (rho: − 0.214 to − 0.258; p < 0.001). Also, weak and very weak significant inverse correlations were found between PAL and all items of the GHQ-12. Weak inverse correlations were found between PSS scores and mental health, Coping, and Stress (r: −0.201 to − 0.304; p < 0.001). Likewise, weak and very weak inverse correlations, although statistically significant, were found between the PSS scores and the responses to the GHQ-12 items. Very active women with higher PSS have less psychological distress, higher self-esteem, and better prevalence of positive health.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SYMPTOMS OF CPTSD IN VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Objective. The article is devoted to the peculiarities of traumatization of persons affected by domestic violence. The subject is the nature of the relationship between perceived social support (PSS) and symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) for the development of methods of helping victims of domestic violence. Long-term traumatic impact on the injured person from a significant loved one, in the absence of adequate and sufficient social support, can manifest itself in re-experiencing, hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation, the formation of a negative self-image, and disturbances in close relationships. Methodology. The study was carried out using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). 99 people aged 18 to 61 years old with experience of domestic violence were interviewed. The methods used were descriptive analysis, checking the normality of variables using the Kolmagorov-Smirnov test, and C. Spearman’s correlation analysis. Results. Individuals with more severe CPTSD symptoms were found to demonstrate lower levels of PSS. Therefore, to minimize the symptoms of CPTSD, it is advisable to develop skills related to social interaction and building close relationships. Practical implications. The results are applicable in the process of providing crisis and rehabilitation psychological assistance to victims of domestic violence.

Do Socialization Tactics Used By College Students Predict Perceived Social Support For Physical Activities Among University Students After COVID 19?

This study examines the relationship between social support and socialization tactics in university students' participation in physical activity (PA) and also evaluates these interactions after the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants of the study consisted of university students between the ages of 18-27. Personal information form, social support scale for physical activity and socialization tactics scale were used in the study. The data of 291 participants were included in the study. Data were analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis in SPSS 22. According to the findings of the study, it was determined that gender, athlete background and educational tactics were associated with parental support for PA (F(9,274)=4.292, p=0.000, adj R2=0.12). There was a association of peer support and having an athletic background with using educational tactics and participating in socialization processes with social tactics (F(9,274)=7.903, p=0.000, adj R2=0.21). The research findings revealed that the increase in parental and peer social support in physical activity participation is realized with the effect of sportive background and educational tactics. Since educational tactics play a decisive role, organizing the campus environment in a way that encourages physical activity participation may have a significant effect on the perception of peer social support. The research shows that sporting background, educational tactics and campus environment are effective for increasing participation in physical activity. Therefore, educators and campus administrators should develop various strategies to support university students' physical activity habits.

Remote family education and support program for parents of patients with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders based on interpersonal psychotherapy: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

In cases of adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders, despite the importance of the patients' relationship with their parents, conflict and confusion frequently occur among them. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a present-focused psychotherapy that emphasizes the interpersonal context of symptoms. We developed a remote family education and support program exclusively for parents of patients with eating disorders, based on the principle of IPT. The use of IPT is expected to reduce conflicts in the patient-parent relationship. Consequently, parents will be better able to listen to patients, and patients will be better able to express their thoughts and desires. In this study, we describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial designed to examine the effectiveness of this program in promoting effective communication in their home based on active listening skills of parents of patients with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders. Participants will be parents of patients aged 12-29years with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders. Individually randomized, parallel-group trial design will be employed. Seventy participants will be allocated to one of two treatment conditions: (1) remote family education and support program (four, 150min weekly group sessions) for parents plus treatment-as-usual for patients (consultation by physicians or no treatment), or (2) waiting for the control condition (parents will wait to start the program for 8weeks) plus treatment-as-usual for patients. The primary outcome measure will be parents' active listening ability as measured by the Active Listening Attitude Scale at 8weeks after randomization. Additionally, perception of social support (Social Provision Scale-10 item), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), mental health status (K6), family function (Family Assessment Device), and parent-evaluated eating disorder symptoms (Anorectic Behavior Observation Scale) will be assessed. Data from the intention-to-treat sample will be analyzed 8weeks after randomization. This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of a family education and support program for parents of patients with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders based on IPT. If this type of intervention is effective, although indirect, it could be a new support method for this patient population. Clinical Trials. gov ID NCT05840614.

The importance of social support for elderly people

Introduction: Social support is not a one-way relationship but is based on the connections people have with other people, groups, and the wider community. This study aimed to assess the perception of social support by people in the third age and to investigate the correlation of social support with the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 147 elderly people who actively use the services of the Center for Health Promotion and Improvement “Generacija” in Sarajevo. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was used to assess social perceptions. Results: The results show a weak negative relationship between age and the total scale (r = −0.199, p = 0.05), with older people having lower scores on the total scale. A significant relationship was found between the subscale other factors and age (r = −0.202, p = 0.05). The evaluation of the performance of daily activities correlates weakly with the evaluation of the friend’s subscale (r = 0.186, p = 0.05). The friend’s subscale correlates significantly with the quality of social life (r = 0.227, p = 0.05). The subjective assessment of the quality of social life after arriving at the center showed a correlation with the overall scale score (r = 0.182, p = 0.05) and especially with the friend subscale (r = 0.219, p = 0.05), with the increase in social life and the subscales examined in both cases. Conclusion: Users of the “Generacija” center rate social support on the MSPSS with high scores, with users receiving the most support from family. The sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents have an impact on the perception of social support by the users of the Center for Health Promotion and Improvement “Generacija,” more specifically; they were statistically significantly influenced by age, the way of performing daily activities, the quality of social life and the quality of social life after arrival at the Center.

Sociocultural determinants of children's oral health among immigrants in Canada.

A conceptual model was designed and tested to predict immigrant children's oral health in Canada by examining parental acculturation and perceived social support (PSS) using structural equation modelling. A convenience sample of first-generation immigrant parents and their children aged 2-12 years were recruited by multilingual community workers in Edmonton, Canada. Parents completed a validated questionnaire on demographics, child's oral health (OH) behaviours, parental acculturation and PSS. Dental examinations determined children's dental caries rate using DMFT/dmft index. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data. A total of 336 families participated in this study. The average parental acculturation level was 10.46 with a maximum of 15, and the average PSS was 63.27 with a maximum of 75. SEM showed that 77% of the variance of DMFT/dmft scores in children was explained by parental PSS, acculturation level, immigration-related variables, socioeconomic variables and children's OH behaviours. The direct effect of parental PSS was associated with a significantly reduced rate of dental caries (β = -.076, p-value = .008) and lower sugar consumption (β = -.17, p-value = .04). While the mediation effect of parental acculturation on PSS was associated with positive OH behaviours of children (e.g., toothbrushing frequency and dental care utilization), the indirect effect was negatively associated with caries rate (β = .77, p-value = .00). The direct effect of Parental Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was associated with more favourable oral health behaviours and a lower prevalence of dental caries, while the mediation effect of acculturation was linked to a higher prevalence of dental caries.

Trajectories of risk and resilience: The role of empathy and perceived social support in the context of early adversity

BackgroundEvidence overwhelmingly suggests that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is a risk factor for poor mental health outcomes. However, the specific mechanisms via which ACEs confer an increased risk of psychopathology are less well understood. ObjectiveThe study modelled the effect of empathy and perceived social support (PSS) on mental health outcomes in a mixed clinical and non-clinical population, within the context of exposure to ACEs. Participants and settingA total of 575 participants (comprising a treatment-receiving and community-based sample), aged 18 to 65 completed self-report measures assessing early adversity, PSS, empathy, and mental health outcomes. MethodsMultiple mediation analyses were used to investigate whether empathy and PSS mediated the relationship between self-reported ACEs and mental health outcomes, and whether affective and cognitive empathy affected differentially the link between emotional neglect and psychological distress. ResultsResults revealed a statistically significant indirect effect of ACEs on adult mental health through affective empathy and PSS. Emotional neglect was the only type of adversity significantly correlated with both dimensions of empathy. The indirect effect of emotional neglect on mental health outcomes via cognitive and affective empathy was also statistically significant. ConclusionsStudy results highlight the role of affective empathy and PSS as transdiagnostic mechanisms influencing the pathway between early adversity and adult mental health, and the importance of taking these into account when designing interventions aiming to promote well-being among those who have experienced childhood adversity.

Risk and protective factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Black female and male youth with depression symptoms — United States, 2004–2019

BackgroundFrom 2004 to 2019, suicide rates among Black youth increased by 122 % for females and 65 % for males. Guided by the interpersonal theory of suicide, this study explored how perceptions of social support and parental involvement may contribute to suicidal behavior among Black youth aged 12–17 years. MethodsData are from the 2004–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Multivariable logistic regression with backwards elimination was conducted to determine if characteristics associated with outcomes of interest (i.e., suicidal ideation, made a suicide plan, and made a suicide attempt) differed by sex. The characteristics examined included: age, poverty level, health insurance coverage, currently receiving mental health treatment, grades for last completed semester, parental involvement, frequency of arguments or fights with parents, frequency of fights at school or work, parental attitudes, and availability of emotional support. ResultsOver 400,000 Black youth with depression symptoms reported suicidal thoughts and behaviors (80 % female). Females had increased odds of suicidal ideation and making a plan if they had no one to talk to about serious problems. Males had increased odds of attempting suicide if they reported academic struggles.Limitations.This is a cross-sectional study and potential biases may affect generalizability of results. ConclusionsRisk and protective factors identified in this study aligned with the interpersonal theory of suicide. Evidence-based interventions that focus on increasing connectedness and self-esteem may be effective for Black youth struggling with suicidal ideation. Preventing suicide requires a comprehensive approach including prevention strategies for individuals, families, and communities.

The Impact of Problematic Internet Use on Adolescent Loneliness-Chain Mediation Effects of Social Support and Family Communication.

To explore the relationship between adolescents' problematic Internet use and loneliness and the mediating roles of social support and family communication. A questionnaire survey of 2483 adolescents aged 12-17 years in 148 cities in China was conducted using the Problematic Internet Use Scale, the Collaborative Social Support Scale, the Family Communication Scale, and the Loneliness Scale. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 26.0 and validated by AMOS 28.0. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was conducted to test the effects of problematic Internet use on adolescents' loneliness and the mediating effects of perceptions of social support and family communication. There was a significant positive effect of adolescents' problematic Internet use on loneliness (B-0.471, P<0.001), and the mediating effects of perceptual social support (0.003, 0.012) and family communication (0.008, 0.019) were found to play a chain effect between adolescents' problematic Internet use and loneliness, respectively. Use and feelings of loneliness played a chain mediating role (0.002, 0.006). This study identified the effects of adolescent problematic Internet use on loneliness and its mechanism of action, emphasized the importance of social support and family communication, and provided practical insights for improving family parenting styles and preventing and intervening in adolescent loneliness problems.

EFFECT OF NARCISSISM ON PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS: THE ROLES OF EMOTION REGULATION SKILLS AND PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT

In recent years, studies on the two-dimensional structure of narcissism with its grandiose and vulnerable aspects have intensified. This study emphasizes that there is a significant mediation role of emotional regulation skills and perceived multidimensional social support between narcissism and psychological distress. A Total 442 participants (74% female) between aged 18 and 51 (M = 24.98, SD = 7.76) attained to the study. The research used scales assessing emotional regulation skills (ERS), narcissism (PNI), perceived social support (MSPSS), and psychological distress (DASS). Results indicated significant negative associations between ERS dimensions and vulnerable narcissism, and no associations with grandiose narcissism. There are significant positive associations between MSPSS dimensions and grandiose narcissism, but negative associations with vulnerable narcissism. The study suggest that different emotion regulation skills may stem from narcissistic vulnerability and affect the psychological distress variable through perceived social support. As a result of the current study, we found that emotional regulation skill is important for vulnerable narcissism to regulate emotion, and it can be regulated through perceived social support; however, it is understood that the perception of social support becomes more difficult due to narcissistic characteristics

How do you see me? The impact of perceived societal recognition on PTSD symptoms amongst Norwegian peacekeepers

ABSTRACT Background: The peacekeeper role is different to that of traditional combat, however, peacekeepers, like combat soldiers, may also be exposed to high levels of dangerous and/or potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs). Objective: It was hypothesized that given the centrality of societal approval for the peacekeeping mission, in addition to the known relevance of perceived social support, perceived societal recognition would influence PTSD symptoms (PTSS) and depression. It was hypothesized that perceived societal recognition would moderate the effect of exposure to potentially traumatic events and PMIEs on psychological outcomes. Method: 8341, predominantly male, former UNIFIL peacekeepers, almost three decades following deployment, answered a survey to determine the impact of perceived social support and perceived societal recognition, on PTSS and depression symptoms. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed for PTSS and depression separately and moderation analysis was performed for perceived societal recognition. Results: Exposure to potentially traumatic events showed the greatest predictive value for PTSS and exposure to PMIEs and potentially traumatic events were equally predictive of depression symptoms. While perceived social support presented the strongest buffer for PTSS and depression symptoms following UNIFIL deployment, perceived societal recognition also significantly contributed to the prediction of both PTSS and depression symptoms. There was a weak moderation effect of perceived societal recognition on trauma type in the development of PTSS. Conclusions: Even decades following peacekeeping deployment, military experiences have a significant impact on psychological functioning. This impact is both from the types of events experienced and from the perception of social and societal support upon return home.

Assessment of predictors of satisfaction with life in pre-service teacher education students

Introduction: satisfaction with life plays a crucial role in students' academic and personal experience as it can influence their academic performance, emotional well-being, and adaptation to the higher education environment.Objective: to determine whether resilience, perceived social support, and self-esteem predict satisfaction with life in Peruvian pre-service teacher education students.Methods: a quantitative, observational, analytical, predictive, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 215 students of both sexes who were administered the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale Short Form, the Social Support Perception Scale, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale, instruments with adequate psychometric properties. Regarding statistical methods, Pearson correlation coefficient was used, followed by multiple linear regression analysis.Results: multiple regression analysis showed a good fit for the model (F=78,319; p&lt;0,05), indicating that resilience (β=0,103; p&lt;0,05), perceived social support (β=0,268; p&lt;0,05), and self-esteem (β=0,274; p&lt;0,05) explained 52 % of the total variance of the satisfaction with life variable.Conclusions: resilience, perceived social support, and self-esteem predict satisfaction with life in Peruvian pre-service teacher education students. Therefore, it is recommended to foster an institutional culture that values and promotes students' emotional well-being, providing psychological and emotional support resources and services

The Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Work Engagement among Kindergarten Teachers in Xizang

The engagement of kindergarten teachers in their work significantly impacts the physical and psychological well-being of young children and the long-term development of preschool education. This study utilized a questionnaire survey with convenience sampling to select 846 kindergarten teachers from the Xizang region as research subjects. Measurements were conducted using the Social Support Scale, Professional Identity Scale, and Psychological Capital Scale. The findings reveal that the work engagement of kindergarten teachers in this sample was above the medium overall level. Significant differences in social support perception, professional identity, psychological capital, and work engagement were found based on individual background characteristics and the characteristics of the institutions where they worked. There were significant positive correlations between social support, professional identity, psychological capital, and work engagement among kindergarten teachers. Social support had a positive predictive effect on work engagement, while professional identity and psychological capital played a mediating role between social support and work engagement. To enhance the work engagement of kindergarten teachers, it is recommended to strengthen the mechanisms for ensuring social support, to create organizational environments that foster teachers’ psychological capital, and to enhance their sense of professional identity.

Perceptions of the learning environment in ophthalmology residency training: A mixed method study

Introduction: A good learning environment (LE) will affect the quality and standard of the learning process, student performance, and the outcome of the curriculum as well as predictor of the quality of health services. Our study aims to assess residents’ perception of the LE in Ophthalmology training programs for future improvement. Methods: Mixed method with an explanatory sequential design was implemented in this study using the Post-graduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) as a quantitative approach and open-ended questions collaborated with focus group discussion (FGD) as a qualitative measurement. A comparison of the quantitative data was made using parametric and non-parametric analyses. Thematic analyses were performed for qualitative data. Integration of quantitative and qualitative data was done by connecting both data. Results: Fifty-three residents participated in this survey. The mean age was 30.96±2.18 years old, 64.15% were female and 77.36% are at the internship stage. The mean score of overall PHEEM was 123.40 ±12.35, indicated an excellent LE, while the mean score of perceptions of role autonomy, perceptions of teaching, and perceptions of social support were 42.57±4.62, 47.75±4.84 and 33.08±4.15, respectively. There is no significant difference between gender and study period with the perception of LE. Thematic analysis from qualitative data reveals six positive and five negative perception themes. All discovered themes confirmed concordance with the result of LE perception. Conclusion: Learning environment perception in the ophthalmology residency program was excellent and essential for the student's skills and performance quality. Some specific areas still need improvement strategies for institutional development. Keywords: Learning Environment, PHEEM, Ophthalmology, Residency, Mixed Method

Relationship between psychological capital and mental health at higher education: Role of perceived social support as a mediator

Research in Positive Psychology has indicated a correlation between Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and Mental health (MH). However, the specific contribution of Perceived Social Support (PSS) in the connection between PsyCap and MH, particularly within higher education, remains uninvestigated. This study investigated how PSS could mediate the effect of PsyCap on students' MH using a cross-sectional research design. The sample encompassed 443 undergraduate graduate students at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China. Results from Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) showed that both PsyCap (β = 0.815, t = 31.074, p < 0.000) and PSS (β = 0.405, t = 28.051, p < 0.000) have a positive impact on students' MH. Additionally, PSS was identified as a significant mediator in relation to students' MH (b = 0.080, t = 2.319, p < 0.020). This study emphasizes the importance of developing these factors in educational and support programs to enhance students’ well-being. Moreover, the results offer significant conceptual and practical insights for higher education faculty, psychologists, and curriculum designers.

Examination of Risk of Depression and Perception of Social Support in Pregnant Women Undergoing Intrauterine Intervention.

Interventions during pregnancy might increase the risk of depression becausethey may cause anxiety and stress in the mother. In these cases, it is important to provide social support to pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the risk of depression and the perception of social support in pregnant women who had undergone intrauterine intervention (IUI). The population of this descriptive study consisted of all pregnant women (n = 267) who attended a state hospital in Izmir between March and September 2022 and who had undergone IUI. Data were obtained using a sociodemographic data form, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used in the study. In this study, of the women, 42.7% had ≥3 pregnancies; the gestational week of 93.6% of the pregnant women was between 13-24 weeks. The mean scores of the pregnant women were 11.12 ± 8.04 on the BDI and 61.06 ± 19.84 on the MSPSS. According to the results of the correlation analysis, there was a weak (<0.05) negative reverse correlation between the scales. In the results of this study, it has been determined that as perceived social support increases in pregnant women, symptoms of depression are less likely to occur. This result is important in terms of indicating the need for providing social support to pregnant women. Women should be able to identify depression risk factors during this process to receive appropriate care and support.

Primary school students’ perceptions of social support, school satisfaction and life satisfaction

Perceived life satisfaction during the period of childhood and adolescence can be considered a reliable measure of psychological and emotional growth of children and adolescents. The current study aimed to investigate age differences related to social support provided to students (by teachers, classmates, parents and close friends), and its relationship with school and life satisfaction. The study also examined the significance of social support in explaining students' school and life satisfaction. Data were collected from a sample comprising 390 primary school students in grades 3 - 8 in Croatia. The findings indicate that students perceive a lower level of support received from parents, teachers, classmates and close friends, and lower school and life satisfaction, as they age. Statistically significant differences were found in perceived teacher support and school and life satisfaction between younger and older students. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that age and support from teachers and classmates are significant predictors of school satisfaction. The most significant predictors of students' life satisfaction are support from parents and classmates, and school satisfaction. Finally, the implications of the findings and guidelines for future research are discussed.

The mediating effect of social support and body appreciation between child abuse and disordered eating symptoms among Lebanese adolescents

ObjectiveThe current study examines the mediating effect of social support and body appreciation between child abuse and disordered eating symptoms among Lebanese adolescents.MethodsThis study, involving 403 participants, was cross-sectional and conducted between August and September 2022. Lebanese adolescents from all of Lebanon’s governorates were recruited through the “Snowball Sampling” method. The measuring instruments composing the questionnaire included the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-7) which identifies the presence of risk for eating disorders based on eating-related attitudes, behaviors and feelings; the “Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)” which measures, from three separate sources, the extent of one’s perception of social support; the “Body Appreciation Scale (BAS)” which assesses the care and respect one has for their own body, along with the acceptance and protection of one’s body from unrealistic beauty ideals; and the “Child Abuse Self-Report Scale (CASRS-12)” which detects lifelong child abuse.ResultsParticipants’ mean age was 16.63 ± 1.46 years with 57.3% of females. The results highlight the effect of mediation of social support and body appreciation in the association between all types of child abuse and disordered eating symptoms. Additionally, a significant association was indicated between more abuse and lower social support and body appreciation, whereas another was underscored between higher social support and body appreciation and more appropriate eating attitudes. Lastly, all types of child abuse were observed to be notably associated with further inappropriate eating attitudes.ConclusionThe current mediation findings preliminarily indicate that experiences of all forms of child abuse may have possibly triggered perceived lack of social support and low levels of body appreciation, which have in turn resulted in more severe disordered eating symptoms in predisposed adolescents. This cautiously suggests that both social support and body appreciation may be regarded as key targets for community-based prevention and intervention strategies aiming at reducing the risk of developing severe eating disorders in adolescents.

Stigma, Perception of Social Support, and Functionality Levels of Schizophrenia Patients with and without Legal Guardianship.

The aim of our study was to determine the levels of internalized stigma, perceived social support, and social functioning of schizophrenia patients who made a guardianship decision and to investigate the effects of these parameters on the guardianship decision. A total of 160 patients, including 80 patients who were hospitalized in the psychiatric inpatient services of our hospital between December 1, 2021, and November 1, 2022, between the ages of 18 and 65, who were diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 diagnostic criteria (n = 80) and received guardianship and 80 patients (n = 80) who did not receive guardianship were included in the study. Sociodemographic data from the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale, Social Functioning Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were administered to the study group. Fifty percent of the patients (n = 80) made a guardianship decision. The number of hospitalizations and duration of illness were significantly higher in the group of patients who took the guardianship decision, whereas the scores of interpersonal functioning and perceived social support from the family were significantly lower (P = .049, P = .009). The number of hospitalizations, substance use, interpersonal functioning, perceived discrimination, and perceived social support from family and friends were determined as factors that facilitate the guardianship decision (P < .05, P < .001). Based on the results of our study, it is necessary to reduce the number of hospitalizations, substance use, and perceived discrimination among patients with schizophrenia and to enhance the social support and interpersonal relationships provided by family and friends.

Drug-Death Related Bereavement and Social Support.

The loss of a close one to drug-related death (DRD) has been characterized as a form of stigmatized bereavement, and research has shown that there is a high risk of bereavement complications. Social support can be a buffer against bereavement complications, but because of stigma, DRD bereaved persons access to social support can be challenged. Based on data from a Norwegian sample of DRD bereaved persons (N = 252) the present study examines (1) bereaved persons' perceived access to different aspects of social support, and (2) the association between bereaved persons' experiences of societal stigma, own withdrawal, self-blame, and their perceptions of social support. Results show (1) that bereaved persons' access to contact with persons in the same situation is particularly low compared to other support aspects, and (2) that perceived stigma (4%) and own withdrawal (5%) predict variations in drug-related death bereaved persons' perception of social support.