SOCIAL SUPPORT AND COPING STRATEGIES AS DETERMINANTS OF MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN SELECTED HOSPITALS IN IBADAN, OYO STATE

Abstract

Recovery from mental illness in young adults is crucial for healthy living, daily functioning, and life satisfaction. It involves more than merely symptoms reduction to encompass dimensions such as hope, resilience and social engagement. Yet, sustained recovery remains elusive for a significant number of young adults and for this reason, it is important to study vital determinants. To what extent social support and coping strategies can predict recovery of mental health among young adults was what this study sought to determine. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and 280 responses were received. At 5% level of significance, a validated questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, t-test, and multiple regression. There were no significant gender differences in mental health recovery according to the results. Social support (r = 0.682), mental health services (r = 0.556) and coping strategies (r = 0.542) are positively related to recovery. Both social support and coping strategies were significant predictors of recovery, with the combination also being significant (R² = 0.476, F = 82.594, p < 0.05). The study confirms that social support, service access, and coping strategies are the essential factors influencing mental health recovery. It recommends enhancement of support systems and the inclusion of coping skills training in mental health service.

Keywords: Mental Health Recovery, Social Support, Coping Strategies, Young Adults, Mental Health Services.