Researching mental health

Author:
CARR Sarah
Journal article citation:
Open Mind, 171, March 2012, pp.4-5.
Publisher:
MIND

Clinical research, working to a biomedical research agenda and model, is currently dominant in mental health research both in terms of funding and influence. This article argues that there needs to be a reconsideration of what is valuable and useful in mental health research. A great deal of evidence has been generated about mental health by research which looks at the social and psychological dimensions of mental health and distress, from many perspectives, including that of people who experience mental distress.  However, the scientific experimental way of doing research rarely fits with investigations into the social and psychological influences on mental health and mental distress.  People who have lived through mental distress and the mental health system have crucial insights into what works for them. This article calls for their voices to be brought into the conversation about mental health research in order to obtain a more holistic understanding of mental health.

Subject terms:
mental health problems, participatory research, service users, research methods;
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN print:
0265 511x

Key to icons

  • Free resource Free resource
  • Journal article Journal article
  • Book Book
  • Digital media Digital media
  • Journal Journal

Give us your feedback

Social Care Online continues to be developed in response to user feedback.

Contact us with your comments and for any problems using the website.

Sign up/login for more

Register/login to access resource links, advanced search and email alerts