OUTCOMES OF THE TREATMENT CLIMATE IN PSYCHIATRIC AND SUBSTANCE-ABUSE PROGRAMS

This study examines how key aspects of the treatment climate are relat ed to program differences in the aggregate behaviors oi patients resid ing in 89 psychiatric or substance abuse facilities. More active suppo rt, personal expression, and practical orientation were related to bet ter patient functioning, more patient activity in the facility and in the community. and more use by patients of the program's health-treatm ent services and social-recreational activities, These results held fo r both patients' and staff members' consensual perceptions of the trea tment climate. On the whole, these aspects of the treatment milieu wer e especially beneficial for groups of patients with greater psychiatri c impairment. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.