Making a Home for Individuals With Serious Mental Illness: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Research
• Social Determinants of Health
• Housing Studies

Background:

• Housing is a critical social determinant of mental health and recovery.
• The concept of 'home' is underdeveloped and inconsistently applied in mental health policy and practice.
• Understanding 'home' is essential for effective mental health support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the concept of 'home' for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI).
• To explore diverse stakeholder perspectives on 'home' within the SMI population.
• To inform policy and practice by clarifying the meaning of 'home' in mental health.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 5,309 records from multiple databases (CINAHL, Emcare, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science).
• Double screening of records, with 26 peer-reviewed studies included.
• Thematic analysis of qualitative data, synthesizing findings across stakeholder groups (individuals with SMI, families, landlords, staff, experts).

Main Results:

• 'Home' is defined by emotional safety, personal control, daily routines, and social relationships, distinguishing it from mere 'housing'.
• Key themes emphasize the need for relational, flexible, and context-sensitive housing solutions.
• Findings highlight the importance of supporting autonomy, continuity, and a sense of belonging for individuals with SMI.

Conclusions:

• This review offers a nuanced, multi-dimensional understanding of 'home' from various perspectives.
• The findings have significant implications for mental health policy development and service design.
• Further research is needed to fully integrate the concept of 'home' into mental health frameworks and interventions.