The social activities of patients referred to an out-patient psychiatric clinic compared with those of a control group

Abstract

In this enquiry an attempt has been made to assess social activity enjoyed by a group of psychiatric outpatients and a control group. A review has been made of some sociological work: (a) comparing the behaviour patterns of various societies and sub-groups within societies, (b) concerned with factors in Western society which appear to lead to social ill-health, (c) concerned with social factors which are claimed to be associated with mental illness. The results are presented of the study of 51 outpatients at the time of their referral to a Psychiatric Out-Patient Clinic, and of 51 controls matched in several ways. The two groups were studied (by means of a written questionnaire and interviews) in relation to household make-up, contacts with the extended family, work, friends, leisure-time activities both organised and unorganised. Histories were obtained relating to limited areas; absence from home; changes of residence in the past 5 years; work and service life; membership of social groups. Subjects were also asked for details of school and training. Similarity between the two groups was noticeable in several areas: size of family, housing, work history, membership of social groups. Differences occurred in the number of contacts with the extended family, possession of close friends, attendance at social groups, membership of evening classes, and in the level of education and training. An important difference between the groups lay in the relative social 'rigidity' of patients compared with controls in several areas of choice. This "rigidity" is seen as a function of illness and is contrasted with the flexibility more often displayed by controls. The conclusion drawn is that the groups are not differentiated significantly by the amount of social activity enjoyed but by a more complex factor, centering on the ability or inability to make and keep satisfactory social relationships.