ABSTRACT
This paper provides a conceptual and literature-based review of psychosocial interventions (PSIs) as effective therapeutic approaches for managing mental illness. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies from the last two decades, this paper identifies cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), systemic family interventions, and relationship-based models as critical tools for enhancing psychological and social functioning. Findings show that PSIs reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life when integrated with standard care. The review highlights various classifications of PSIs, including preventive and curative approaches, and analyses their theoretical underpinnings, application frameworks, and practical challenges. Particular attention is paid to the roles of social workers in delivering tailored psychosocial care. The paper concludes by advocating for a global framework to guide PSI development and implementation. Finally, this review contributes to bridging the gap between clinical practice and holistic mental health support.
References
- [1] Bird, V. J., Premkumar, P., Cowan, A., Chisholm, D., & Thornicroft, G. (2022). Implementing psychosocial interventions within low- and middle-income countries to improve community-based care for people with psychosis: A situation analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, Article 807259.
- [2] Branjerdporn, G. (2023). Development of an Interprofessional psychosocial interventions framework. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(8), Article 85495.
- [3] Bullock, A., & Bannigan, K. (2011). Effectiveness of activity-based group work in community mental health: A systematic review. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(3), 257–266.
- [4] Coughtrey, A., Millington, A., Bennett, S., Christie, D., Hough, R., Su, M. T., Constantinou, M. P., Shafran, R. (2018). The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for psychological outcomes in paediatric oncology: A systematic review. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 55(3), 1004–1017.
- [5] Kane, D., Friedman, E. J., & Greenhalgh, T. (2016). Implementation science: A systematic review. Implementation Science, 11, Article 36.
- [6] Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593–602.
- [7] Ponnuchamy, L. (2020). Contributions of professional social workers in psychosocial rehabilitation. Journal of Mental Health Rehabilitation, 15(2), 45–59.
- [8] Robson, D., & Gray, R. (2007). Serious mental illness and physical health problems: A discussion paper. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 44(3), 457–466.
- [9] Saraceno, B., van Ommeren, M., Batniji, R., Cohen, A., Gureje, O., Mahoney, J., et al. (2007). Barriers to improvement of mental health services in low-income and middle-income countries. The Lancet, 370(9593), 1164–1174.
- Stein, L. I., & Test, M. A. (1980). Alternative to mental hospital treatment: Conceptual model, treatment program, and clinical evaluation. Archives of General Psychiatry, 37(4), 392–412.
- Thornicroft, G., & Tansella, M. (2005). Growing recognition of the importance of psychosocial treatments in low- and middle-income countries. World Psychiatry, 4(2), 79–84.
- Zubin, J. G., & Spring, B. (1977). Vulnerability: A new view of schizophrenia. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 86(2), 103–126. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.86.2.103
- Miller, S. D., & Duncan, B. L. (2000). The outcome and session rating scales: A brief therapeutic alliance and outcome measure for use in everyday practice. Journal of Brief Therapy, 2(2), 91–100.
- Beddoe, L. (2011). External supervision in social work: Power, space, and the search for safety. Australian Social Work, 65(2), 197–213.
Download all article in PDF
