1. Objectifs

Intentions :
This study’s aim is «to analyze the influence of social support and its different dimensions on the recovery of persons with depressive, anxiety or bipolar disorders. […] Its specific objectives are as follows: (a) Describe how classic social support functions translate as mechanisms in mental health recovery; (b) Identify new mechanisms through which the relationship to a caregiver influences recovery; (c) Describe how the social support mechanisms positively or negatively influence recovery.» (p. 2442)

Questions/Hypothèses :
«The research question for this article is: [W]hat mechanisms explain the influence of caregiver support on the recovery of persons with depressive, anxiety or bipolar disorders?» (p. 2442)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
For this study, 15 people in recovery and their caregivers (15) were recruited in Montréal. «The caregiver is the most significant carer in their informal support network, such as a spouse, family member, friend, colleague or neighbor.» (p. 2443)

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

The «analyses showed how, in the specific case of mental health recovery, certain classic social support functions operate as mechanisms.» (p. 2447) The «analysis identified several mechanisms that correspond to the classic social support functions, reinforcing their relevance and the importance of support in mental health recovery. Among these, companionship, emotional support, validation, and instrumental support remain important aspects of the support provided by caregivers, both from the perspective of the persons in recovery and their caregivers. On the other hand, our findings did not identify the presence of informational support. Caregivers can contribute to recovery by supporting the therapeutic interventions of professionals (e.g., helping with therapeutic exercises) or hinder it by working against them (e.g., expressing doubts about prescribed medication). This finding offers a potential explanation for the relationship between social support and professional interventions.» (p. 2447)