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The Effect of Social Networks and Social Support on Mental Health Services Use, Following a Life Event, among the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Cohort

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Abstract

The study examined the association between life events and mental health services use, accounting for social networks and social support. Main and stress-buffering effects were estimated using longitudinal data from the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area cohort (1,920 participants in 1993–1996, of whom 1,071 were re-interviewed in 2004–2005). Following a life event, the odds of using general medical services were increased by almost 50% when there was increased social support from spouse/partner (referral function). The odds of using mental health services within general health setup were reduced by 60% when there was increased support from relatives (stress-reduction function). Increased social support from friends and relatives was associated with a 40–60% decreased odds of using specialty psychiatric services after experiencing different life events (stress-reduction function). Overall, social support rather than social networks were more strongly associated with increased mental health service use following a life event. The implications for service delivery and program development are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

Baltimore ECA is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse Grant No. DA026652. Dr. Elizabeth Stuart, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, provided valuable advice on statistical analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Pallab K. Maulik MD, PhD, MSc

  2. Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Room 852 Hampton House, 624 N Broadway St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    William W. Eaton PhD

  3. Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Room 831, Hampton House, 624 N Broadway St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Catherine P. Bradshaw PhD, MEd

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  1. Pallab K. Maulik MD, PhD, MSc
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  2. William W. Eaton PhD
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  3. Catherine P. Bradshaw PhD, MEd
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Correspondence to Pallab K. Maulik MD, PhD, MSc.

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Maulik, P.K., Eaton, W.W. & Bradshaw, C.P. The Effect of Social Networks and Social Support on Mental Health Services Use, Following a Life Event, among the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Cohort. J Behav Health Serv Res 38, 29–50 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-009-9205-z

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