Abstract
Purpose. The present study is an effort to contribute to the literature on identifying the risks and possible protective factors for people with mood disorders. Creativity, since it has been identified in the literature as a possible protective factor, was examined, as well as social support and sense of community. Method. The sample was composed of 49 adult respondents: 13 men and 36 women, with 34 Caucasians and 15 non-Caucasians. The median age was 39 years. Participants for this study were recruited from community mental health facilities. Each person completed 3 self-report measures, a structured interview to complete a subscale, and some open-ended questions. Analytic strategy included ANOVAs on hypotheses 1-8 and a content analysis on hypotheses 9-12. Results. After conducting a one-way ANOVA. Hypothesis 7 was supported, that no difference would be found in creativity levels in regard to ethnicity (F(1.47) = .09, p = .77). Hypotheses 11 and 12 were supported by content analysis. These hypotheses stated that both diagnostic groups would find social support/sense of community to help them cope with their illness and suicidal behavior. Discussion. Rich qualitative data was uncovered including Creativity as a positive factor in life and social support/sense of community as protective factors in mood disorders and suicidal behavior. This study contributes to the literature by adding information that therapists can use to treat people with mood disorders more effectively. For example, therapists can add creative outlets to treatment plans and encourage clients to gain a sense of community in their lives in order to decrease their mood symptoms. Small sample size, lack of random sampling, and lack of equal representation of ethnic groups, limit the findings of the study. In addition 80% of participants had a dual diagnosis. No statistically significant differences were found, perhaps due to these limitations, and thus further research should be completed to test the hypotheses. No difference was found in creativity levels in regard to ethnicity after ANOVA was conducted. Rich qualitative data was uncovered including Creativity as a positive factor in life and social support/sense of community as protective factors in mood disorders and suicidal behavior. This study contributes to the literature by adding information that therapists can use to treat people with mood disorders more effectively. For example, therapists can add creative outlets to treatment plans and encourage clients to gain a sense of community in their lives in order to decrease their mood symptoms.