Background. Mental illnesses are a cause of concern. About one in four
Americans have to deal with mental health issues in their lifetime, and more than 90% of
all cases of suicide are associated with mental disorders. Mental health practices aim to
facilitate recovery in persons with mental illnesses. However, stigma associated with
mental illnesses often deters them from seeking treatment, therefore impeding their
recovery. Personal strengths have been linked to positive outcomes in the general
population, but have not been a focus for research with persons with mental health issues.
Indeed, strengths’ self-efficacy (confidence in applying personal strengths) and
resourcefulness (ability to perform daily tasks independently or with help from others)
may play a role in promoting mental health recovery in persons with serious mental
illnesses.
Purpose. This study examined the correlations among/ between strengths selfefficacy,
resourcefulness, stigma experience and perception of mental health recovery in
community-dwelling adults with serious mental illnesses, and if recovery was predicted
by the first three variables.
Method. A convenience sample of 102 community-dwelling adults with serious
mental illnesses aged between 18 to 65 years old participated in a cross-sectional,
predictive, mixed methods study. Persons who have taken drugs (not prescribed), since
the last relapse of their mental health conditions were excluded.
Findings. Strengths self-efficacy and resourcefulness correlated positively with
and predicted recovery, R2 = 0.72, F(3,98)= 84.05, p <0.001. The qualitative interview
uncovered that participants used their personal strengths to help them cope with mental
illnesses, focus on something positive and allowed them time to recover. Although
greater stigma correlated inversely with recovery, it was not a significant predictor.
Implications. Because the influence of stigma on recovery was diminished in the
presence of strengths self-efficacy and resourcefulness, strengths-based interventions and
resourcefulness training may be beneficial for promoting recovery in persons with serious
mental illnesses. Approaching mental illnesses positively could help to reduce the stigma
that impedes the recovery of persons with mental illnesses. Knowledge gained from this
study may pave the way for future nursing strategies to aid mental health recovery and
inform the development of positive, strengths-based interventions.