THE EFFECT OF FAMILY FUNCTIONING AND FAMILY SENSE OF COMPETENCE ON PEOPLE WITH MENTAL-ILLNESS

This study examined the relative influences of family functioning (gen eral) and family members' sense of competence (specific) on the commun ity adaptation of 180 seriously mentally ill adults. Stratified sampli ng of families allowed for a mix of socioeconomic status and ethnic gr oups. While both variables were significantly associated with the ill family member's level of adaption, sense of competence was the more po werful influence. Differences among ethnic and SES groups suggest that this is particularly important for African American families and for the lower-middle class.