RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of structural and functional characteristics of social network on social adjustment in people with mental illness. METHODS: 236 members of the people with mental illness who were enrolled in day hospital, community mental health center and social rehabilitation center participated in the survey. RESULTS: Of structural and functional characteristics of social network, the influenced factors on social adjustment were network size of professional, social support (family, friend and professional) and conflict with professional. When controlling socio-demographic and disorder characteristics, this regression model affected significantly on social adjustment but the power of influence reduced slightly. CONCLUSION: In order to improve the social adjustment of people with mental illness, it is necessary for social network to provide them with more emotional and social resources. Especially, it is important for mental health professionals to build active partnership with the people with mental illness as consumer. For people with mental illness, the economic stability through guaranteed income such as disability benefits, and occupational rehabilitation is very important.