Quality of life and perceived social support in people with severe mental health problems : a comparison of Indians and Whites

The current study compared quality of life and perceived social support in Indians and Whites with severe mental health problems. Quality of life was assessed using the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support assessed perceived social support. The sample consisted of 45 participants recruited from mental health services and voluntary organisations. There was a positive relationship between perceived social support and quality of life. Differences in the strength of the relationship between quality of life and perceived social support were found (relationship with perceived family support stronger in Whites and perceived support from friends stronger in Indians with severe mental health problems). These findings suggested different sources of support may have differing influences on quality of life for Indians and Whites with severe mental health problems. Between-group differences were not found for Indians and Whites with severe mental health problems on quality of life, overall perceived social support and perceived family support. The implications of these results were that there may often be more similarities than differences between Indians and Whites with severe mental health problems. The findings are discussed in terms of developing supportive and life-enhancing programmes for those with severe mental health problems. Future directions for research are also outlined.