Social connectedness in adults with mental disorders: ecological validation of a conceptual framework for novel complex interventions.

Background: Social connectedness interventions may improve the clinical outcomes and personal recovery of adults with mental disorders but many interventions lack a clear theory-base and show limited effectiveness.

Aim: To evaluate the validity of a newly developed conceptual framework (the CIVIC framework: Closeness, Identity, Valued relationships, Involvement and Cared for and accepted) to function as the theory-base for novel social connectedness-based mental health interventions.

Method: Semi-structured interviews with adults with diagnostically heterogeneous mental disorders (n = 13) and mental health professionals (n = 9).