Unmet needs of persons with chronic mental illnesses: Relationship to their adaptation to community living

Based on the theory of modeling and role-modeling, the effect of unmet needs of persons with chronic mental illnesses upon their quality of life, psychiatric emergency room visits, and rehospitalization was studied among 73 members of the Erie Alliance for the Mentally III through use of a questionnaire that elicited their perceptions of need satisfaction and Lehman's Life Satisfaction Scale to measure quality of life. Needs were conceptualized as Hansell's essential attachments to basic supplies, self-identity, a friend, group membership, money, role, and meaning to life, as well as illness related needs - psychiatric care, case management, personal safety, information, and help. Most frequently cited unmet needs were for a friend, role, group membership, and self-identity. Quality of life was strongly affected by lack of information and help (experienced as stigma), poor self-identity (sequelae of illness), and lack of employment. Rehospitalization and emergency room visits were affected by unmet needs for safety, money, and employment.