Structural and functional analysis of the social network of users of the Psychosocial Care Center: the pathways of Psychosocial Care

Abstract

The objective was to analyze the structural characteristics, functions and attributes of bonds in the social networks of users of a Psychosocial Care Center. For this purpose, a qualitative study was developed in which 16 users of a Psychosocial Care Center participated. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were carried out based on the Network Map diagram. Extensive social networks were identified, with a concentration of intimate relationships, limited to family members and health services. After the illness, the participants reported fragile family relationships. The appropriation of spaces in the community and in friendship relationships favored the structuring of networks. The analysis of the network map comprises an analysis tool indicating the pathways for psychosocial care to reach the production of mental health care.

Psychosocial care; Mental health; Community mental health services; Social networking; Social network analysis