Effects of an empowerment program for community-dwelling people with mental illness in South Korea

Purpose This study aimed to examine the effects of an empowerment program on empowerment, quality of life, and recognition of human rights of people with mental illness residing in a community in South Korea. Design and Methods A repeated-measures design (before, immediately after, and 4 weeks after the intervention) with a control group was used. The experimental group received an eight-session empowerment program over 8 weeks. Findings The empowerment program significantly increased empowerment and quality of life, but not recognition of human rights. Practice Implications Nursing interventions should be developed to enhance the recognition of human rights for people with mental illness.