Am J Psychiatry 1982; 139:977-984
Copyright © 1982 by American Psychiatric Association
Social networks and mental health: on overview
M Greenblatt, RM Becerra and EA Serafetinides
Research has shown that social networks can act as social support systems
to promote mental health and buffer psychological stress. In this selective
review the authors illuminate patterns and characteristics of social
networks that maintain health and help prevent illness, explore the
relationship between social networks and the course and outcome of
treatment for mental illness, and describe clinical network interventions
that have been used to facilitate inpatient care and maximize performance
of ex-patients in the community. The authors also discuss the implications
of research findings for mental health practice.
