Developing a recovery narrative intervention for service users: Outcomes from our focus groups

Mitch LASES^1,2, Jojanneke BRUINS^1,3, Ingrid VAN BALKOM³, Stynke CASTELEIN^1,2,3

¹Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Lentis Research, Groningen, Netherlands
²University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Groningen, Netherlands
³University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Rob Giel Research Centre, Groningen, Netherlands

Introduction

People with a severe mental illness (SMI) often experience difficulties in all aspects of life. Experiencing (self)stigmatization and prolonged symptoms can make recovery seem unattainable. Offering lived experience narratives to service users could potentially lead to hope, a sense of recognition and potential other benefits. We set up focus groups with different stakeholders to gather input for the development of a recovery narrative intervention.

Methods

We included focus groups with SMI service users (n=6), autism service users (n=3), peer support workers (n=4) and other health care professionals (n=4). Focus groups followed a semi-structured format with open questions. Topics included among others the potential of recovery narratives as an intervention concept, which kind of narratives to use, timing and platform to offer narratives and considerations regarding people who share their recovery story. The sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim for qualitative thematic analysis. Consensus on themes was reached between four coders and a member check was performed.

Results

All focus groups were positive about the potential of recovery narratives to promote recovery through offering practical and emotional support, being destigmatizing, and inducing hope. Positive effects of narratives might depend on the recipients’ recovery phase. An option for contact to discuss narrative content was deemed important, for example with a therapist or peer support worker. Narratives should be offered via an independent website in different lengths (i.e. short/longer versions) and modalities (i.e. written, video, audio) to account for personal preferences. Possibility to remain anonymous and restricted access of the narratives were reported as factors influencing the willingness to share recovery stories.

Discussion-conclusion

Recovery narratives may be able to provide hope and emotional support to mental health service users according to the focus group members. Their concrete suggestions are currently used to develop an innovative recovery narrative intervention.