Relationship between Emotional Peer Support Networks and Subjective Recovery of People with Mental Illness Living in the Community

: Purpose: This study determined the relationship between having an emotional peer support network (i.e. people experiencing similar mental health difficulties) and aspects of subjective recovery in people with mental illness. Methods: In total, 37 participants with mental illness living in the community were divided into high/low emotional peer support groups using the Emotional Support Network Scale. Subjective recovery was evaluated using the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS). Total and individual factor scores of subjective recovery between the two groups were compared with an unpaired t-test, and effect size were calculated. Results: Participants were categorized into high ( n = 18) and low ( n = 19) emotional support (ES) network groups. For demographic and clinical characteristics and the total score of RAS, the groups had no significant differences. However, high ES was significantly higher in “no domination by symptoms” and “willingness to ask for help”, showed medium effect size. Discussion: People with high levels of emotional peer support felt less affected by symptoms and were more willing to ask for help, which affected their recovery. This result reflects elements of peer support, like using experiential knowl edge and recovery role models. In occupational therapy, emotional support among clients through group therapy and environmental adjustment is critical for recovery.