The Outcomes of Illness Management and Recovery on Severe Mental Illness: A Client’s Perspective

This research project asked the question: What perceptions do individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness have of the treatment outcomes for the Illness Management and Recovery curriculum? This study confirms that individuals found the illness management and recovery curriculum had a positive impact on their treatment outcomes in the domains of coping skills and self-management, social functioning, along with recovery outcomes such as goal setting and obtainment, and dual recovery. This research project used a cross-sectional survey research design. The qualitative data collected utilized a structured interview; these items focused on perceptions of treatment outcomes. The research project sampled adults with severe mental illness who received IMR education based on the modules and handouts in the past. A non-probability, convenience sampling method was used. The primary strength of this design is that it was qualitative in nature and provided deeper understanding of outcomes of the IMR curriculum for the participants involved. The limitation associated with this is that the sample size was small (nine participants) and located in a small geographic location. Also the survey used is limited to face-validity, as the validity has not been tested internally, using test and retest, or comparability. Through the analysis of the data, seven inter-related themes were identified. These themes included: education, goals, improved mental health stability, increased self-value, improved relationships, more community involvement, and preexisting knowledge. There are multiple implications for social work practice, policy, and research