ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Most studies support the association between social capital and health. However, none of the studies to date has focused on persons with psychiatric disability, and these past studies have drawbacks in conceptual development and the use of operational variables of social capital. AIMS: This study develops measures and examines patterns of social capital for persons with psychiatric disability. METHODS: Subjects (n = 273) were selected from a long-term psychiatric institution in Taiwan, based on their level of functioning. The measures of social capital were designed at the individual level, and included social networks, reciprocal help (engagement) and level of seeking help (trust and mobilization). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Factor analyses revealed a three-factor structure of social capital with 14 measures: bonding and reciprocity in the hospital, bonding and reciprocity within the ward, and network resources. Through cluster analyses, five patterns of social capital emerged among the consumers: large network and strong bonding, strong network and high bonding, ward network and bonding, ward network and low bonding, and low social capital. Based on the profile of each cluster, younger age, a history of drug abuse, shorter hospitalization and better social functioning seem to correlate with higher social capital. CONCLUSION: The results support the idea that social capital is a metaconstruct, and reveal that consumers have the ability to establish social capital. The measurement and level of social capital as well as its implications for the rehabilitation of consumers into community living are discussed.
