Improving Social Role Satisfaction and Reducing Social Isolation: An Independence Skills Program for Adults with Serious Mental Illness

Abstract Importance: The study addresses social isolation and satisfaction within social roles, among adults with serious mental illness (SMI), which can diminish social and emotional functioning and quality of life. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an independent skills program in reducing social isolation and improving satisfaction with social roles among adults with SMI. Design: A quasi-experimental mixed-methods design was used in this study to evaluate pre- and post-intervention outcomes, with qualitative feedback collected after program completion. Setting: The study took place at Community Friendship Incorporated (CFI), a nonprofit psychiatric rehabilitation organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. Participants: Adults with SMI were recruited via convenience sampling, starting with 14 participants completing pre-test and ending with 10 participants who completed both pre- and post-assessments. Intervention: Participants engaged in an 8-week, group-based independence skills program delivered twice weekly, focusing on planning outings, financial and transportation management, and real-world skill application. Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes include: the PROMIS Bank v2.0 – Social Isolation and the PROMIS Item Bank v2.0 – Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities (Short Form 8a). Qualitative data collected post-intervention through IRB-approved informal qualitative feedback questions. Results: Social isolation scores decreased (39.71 to 35.40) and satisfaction with social roles increased (31.00 to 33.30), though neither was statistically significant (p = .541; p =.798). Qualitative findings indicated an increase in confidence, independence, and social engagement. Conclusions and Relevance: Findings suggest a positive but variable impact of the intervention. Although not statistically significant, results indicate potential clinical benefit, supporting the need for further research with larger sample sizes.