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Making a Home for Individuals With Serious Mental Illness: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Emi Patmisari
  • Yunong Huang
  • Ros Wong
  • Mark Orr
  • Sumathi Govindasamy
  • Emily Hielscher
  • Helen McLaren

Abstract

Background: Housing is widely recognised as a key social determinant of mental health and recovery, yet the concept of home remains under-theorised and inconsistently applied in practice and policy. Aims: The aim of this systematic review is to examine home for people with serious mental illness (SMI), focussing on various stakeholder perspectives reported in literature. Methods: Records from CINAHL, Emcare, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science ( n  = 5,309) were double screened, resulting in 26 peer-reviewed studies for inclusion. Thematic analysis identified fifteen themes synthesised according to perspectives of four different populations: individuals with SMI; their family members; landlords; staff; and sector experts. Results: Contrary to a house, home was described as shaped by emotional safety, personal control, daily routines, and the quality of social relationships. Findings underscored the need for relational, flexible, and context-sensitive housing approaches that support autonomy, continuity, and belonging. Conclusions: This review contributes to a more nuanced understanding of home as a multi-dimensional and negotiated concept, from the perspective of multiple stakeholders, with implications for mental health policy, service design, and future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Emi Patmisari & Yunong Huang & Ros Wong & Mark Orr & Sumathi Govindasamy & Emily Hielscher & Helen McLaren, 2026. "Making a Home for Individuals With Serious Mental Illness: A Systematic Review," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 72(4), pages 745-759, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:72:y:2026:i:4:p:745-759
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640251387785
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