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The role of symptom distress and goal attainment in assisting the psychological recovery in consumers with enduring mental illness
Conference presentation

The role of symptom distress and goal attainment in assisting the psychological recovery in consumers with enduring mental illness

Samantha P Clarke
2009 University Research Conference Program Book, p.7
USC Research Conference, 2009 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 09-Nov-2009)
University of the Sunshine Coast
2009
url
http://www.usc.edu.au/View
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Abstract

Psychology psychological recovery mental illness
1) examine whether baseline measures of symptoms, functioning and recovery are associated with greater goal progress for consumers with enduring mental illness (EMIL and 2) examine the impact of goal attainment on improvements in mental health outcome for consumers. Determining whether goal attainment promotes recovery is important to promote the inclusion of consumer's personal goals in driving treatment planning and promotes psychological recovery as an individualised process. By being aware of factors that impact goal attainment we can better assist consumers and guide the planning and delivery of rehabilitation services. Little quantitative research has been carried out to validate the theoretical conceptualisations of recovery. Seventy-one consumers with EMI who were receiving case-management support from mental health services in eastern Australia participated in the study. Level of attainment for case-management goals was examined against mental health outcome measures for the corresponding goal-setting period. Path analysis revealed symptom distress affects goal progress which in turn determines progression in recovery concepts. This highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of the consumer's level of symptom distress and assists clinicians in how to set goals that are important yet manageable. Findings also promote the inclusion of traditional psychosocial rehabilitation interventions when used to facilitate recovery. When consumers make greater goal progress they experience a greater sense of meaning, hope and self identity. This promotion in psychological health not only enhances quality of life for the consumer but is likely to lead to less economic and social costs for society as a whole.

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