Family members (n = 111) of patients admitted to a large psychiatric hospit
al completed inventories designed to measure family adaptation, appraisal s
tressors, and resources. Total score means were compared to means for the g
eneral population, Significant differences were reported on a limited numbe
r of subscales measuring family adaptation, coping and appraisal, and resou
rces. However, a greater number of similarities were noted. These similarit
ies suggest that family members of patients admitted to a psychiatric hospi
tal resemble the general population in many regards and should therefore be
considered as a resource in the care and rehabilitation of patients. Our a
bility to utilize family, members as a resource in the care and rehabilitat
ion of patients with mental illness will be beneficial to Patient outcomes.