Interpersonal Caring Theory: An Empirical Test of Its Effectiveness Utilizing Growth Curve Analysis – II

Purpose

To test the impact of interpersonal caring theory empirically on six major psychosocial functioning outcomes of persons with serious mental illness.

Methods

This was a quasi-experimental pre- and post-test design with data collection from a total of 266 patients with long-term serious mental illness, who were diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder and followed at 6-month intervals over a 24-month period in three groups: a community psychiatric service group, a community service with interpersonal caring intervention group, and a control group. Three hypotheses between the intensity, specificity, and longitudinality of services were tested using growth curve analysis.

Results

Hierarchical linear modeling supported associations of hypotheses between the intensity, specificity, and longitudinality of services and improved patient outcomes.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the intensity, specificity, and longitudinality of interpersonal caring interventions in community psychiatric service programs deserve attention in order to improve and maintain patient functional outcomes.

Key Words:  independent living , interpersonal caring , interpersonal relationship , quality of life , self-esteem

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