The nuisance factor: A study of daily stress for people with long-term psychiatric disabilities

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship among daily stresses, coping behaviors and level of symptoms and functioning. Fifty community-residing participants with long-term psychiatric disabilities in New Zealand were interviewed and their mental health status was independently assessed by health care workers. On average, participants showed only transient symptoms and no more than slight impairment in psychosocial functioning. Participants reported having few stresses but rated them at a medium level of severity. Individuals' life roles and environment or world context influenced the types of stress reported by the participants. The top three coping behaviors were: active thinking, active behavior, and reinterpretation and growth. Individuals who were engaged in employment tended to report fewer stresses than those who were not employed.