An evaluation of the social recreation component of a community mental health program

The paper describes the results of an evaluation designed to determine the effectiveness of the social recreation component of a community-based mental health program. The program is for individuals with serious mental health problems, with a particular focus on those who perceive deficiencies ill their social relationships. Findings showed that the individuals who participated in the program in varying frequency, reported significant improvements in their self ratings of loneliness, self-esteem, social functioning, satisfaction with social relations and leisure activities, as wed as general life satisfaction. The association between particular program -or client- related factors and the outcome variables were examined to provide insights into why people changed. The merits and limitations of the evaluation methodology are discussed.