Effect of Recreational Activities on Functionality and Internalized Stigma Levels in Individuals With Serious Mental Illness An Experimental Study

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of recreational activities on functionality and internalized stigma levels in individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). METHOD:This study was conducted using a pre-/posttest design with experimental and control groups. Participants comprised 90 individuals with SMI, with 45 in the experimental group and 45 in the control group. A personal information form, Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST), and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI) were used for data collection. The experimental group participated in a program comprising 10 sessions of recreational activities. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between FAST mean scores and ISMI subscale and overall scores in the experimental group before and after recreational activities. CONCLUSION: Recreational activities have positive effects on individuals with SMI. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.]