Journal of Substance Use, 25(2), 2020, pp.163-172.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Background: Research in the field of substance misuse shows that identity change is key to recovery. Theories typically focus on either personal or social factors in this process; however, a framework encompassing agency and communion has proved useful in understanding narratives in similar populations. Objectives: The study proposes that agency and communion provide useful constructs through which to examine substance misuse and recovery. Method: The Life As A Film\(LAAF) and repertory grids were used to explore agency and communion in a sample of 32 participants. Results: Smallest Space Analysis of LAAF content revealed four narrative structures according to elements of agency and communion. Case examples indicated that agency and communion themes related to a recovery identity, and an absence of themes was associated with substance misuse. Repertory grid analysis revealed a pattern of fixed low agency and communion constructs in cases of substance misuse, and a transformed high agency-communion construct system in cases of recovery. Transformation from a low agency and communion substance-using identity toward a high agency and communion recovery identity was illustrated. Conclusions: The exploratory results highlight the centrality of agentic and communal growth in identity-transformative recovery from substance misuse.
(Publisher abstract)
Background: Research in the field of substance misuse shows that identity change is key to recovery. Theories typically focus on either personal or social factors in this process; however, a framework encompassing agency and communion has proved useful in understanding narratives in similar populations. Objectives: The study proposes that agency and communion provide useful constructs through which to examine substance misuse and recovery. Method: The Life As A Film\(LAAF) and repertory grids were used to explore agency and communion in a sample of 32 participants. Results: Smallest Space Analysis of LAAF content revealed four narrative structures according to elements of agency and communion. Case examples indicated that agency and communion themes related to a recovery identity, and an absence of themes was associated with substance misuse. Repertory grid analysis revealed a pattern of fixed low agency and communion constructs in cases of substance misuse, and a transformed high agency-communion construct system in cases of recovery. Transformation from a low agency and communion substance-using identity toward a high agency and communion recovery identity was illustrated. Conclusions: The exploratory results highlight the centrality of agentic and communal growth in identity-transformative recovery from substance misuse.
(Publisher abstract)
Journal of Substance Use, 24(3), 2019, pp.265-272.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Background: Narrative research shows that identity change is key to recovery from substance misuse. Theories have focused on either personal or social factors in this process. A framework encompassing Agency and Communion has been useful in understanding narratives in similar populations. Objectives: The study proposes that substance misuse and recovery can be understood from an Agency-Communion perspective. Method: The Life As A Film Task (LAAF) and repertory grids were used to explore Agency and Communion in a sample of 32 participants. Results: Smallest Space Analysis of LAAF items revealed four different narratives according to themes of Agency and Communion. Case examples indicated that Agency and Communion predicted a recovery identity, and the absence of Agency and Communion predicted substance misuse. Analysis of repertory grids showed fixed low Agency/Communion construct systems in cases of substance misuse and transformed high Agency/Communion construct systems in cases of recovery. Transformation from a low Agency/Communion substance-using identity toward a high Agency/Communion recovery identity was highlighted. Conclusions: These preliminary findings illustrate the role of Agency and Communion processes in identity-transforming recovery from substance misuse.
(Publisher abstract)
Background: Narrative research shows that identity change is key to recovery from substance misuse. Theories have focused on either personal or social factors in this process. A framework encompassing Agency and Communion has been useful in understanding narratives in similar populations. Objectives: The study proposes that substance misuse and recovery can be understood from an Agency-Communion perspective. Method: The Life As A Film Task (LAAF) and repertory grids were used to explore Agency and Communion in a sample of 32 participants. Results: Smallest Space Analysis of LAAF items revealed four different narratives according to themes of Agency and Communion. Case examples indicated that Agency and Communion predicted a recovery identity, and the absence of Agency and Communion predicted substance misuse. Analysis of repertory grids showed fixed low Agency/Communion construct systems in cases of substance misuse and transformed high Agency/Communion construct systems in cases of recovery. Transformation from a low Agency/Communion substance-using identity toward a high Agency/Communion recovery identity was highlighted. Conclusions: These preliminary findings illustrate the role of Agency and Communion processes in identity-transforming recovery from substance misuse.
(Publisher abstract)
Clinical Social Work Journal, 47(2), 2019, pp.222-232.
Publisher:
Springer
Place of publication:
New York
In recent years, much research has focused on the lived experience of people diagnosed with a mental illness, resulting in a better understanding of what helps or hinders their recovery. This study aimed to investigate a rather neglected aspect of recovery: how people with a mental illness talk about their diagnosis and how concealing or revealing such a diagnosis affects different live domains.
(Publisher abstract)
In recent years, much research has focused on the lived experience of people diagnosed with a mental illness, resulting in a better understanding of what helps or hinders their recovery. This study aimed to investigate a rather neglected aspect of recovery: how people with a mental illness talk about their diagnosis and how concealing or revealing such a diagnosis affects different live domains. People (n = 16) diagnosed with a mental illness participated in an in-depth qualitative interview study, allowing insight into how they experience and evaluate living with a mental health diagnosis. The results are particularly interesting for clinical social work. Based on the findings of this study, the concept of ‘diagnosis talk’ has been derived. This concept is understood to thematize the different aspects related to whether and how a person with a mental illness talks about their diagnosis, such as motivation for disclosure and its timing, or which terms they use when referring to their diagnosis. The results indicate that receiving a mental health diagnosis requires consideration of how to cope with this “label”, which has to be distinguished from coping with the illness and the symptoms in itself. This needs to be taken into account by clinical social workers providing comprehensive recovery-oriented support for people with a mental illness. Using the findings, concrete recommendations for psycho-social practice are presented in this article.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
mental health problems, social work, recovery, diagnosis, self-concept, disclosure;
Community Mental Health Journal, 54(8), 2018, p.1212–1220.
Publisher:
Springer
The aim of this study is to present concrete descriptions of the content in the construction of helpful relationships with staff, according to users. Starting with the re-occurring concept of the meaning of “little things” in recovery studies, a literature review was done. A thematic analysis shows that small things play an important role in improving a person’s sense of self. Small things seem
(Publisher abstract)
The aim of this study is to present concrete descriptions of the content in the construction of helpful relationships with staff, according to users. Starting with the re-occurring concept of the meaning of “little things” in recovery studies, a literature review was done. A thematic analysis shows that small things play an important role in improving a person’s sense of self. Small things seem to be an invisible but effective parts of a recovery-orientated practice, but they might be defined as unprofessional and their efficacy negated.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
recovery, mental health problems, staff-user relationships, literature reviews, self-concept, professionals, professional role;
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 27(6), 2018, pp.663-681.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
This critical literature review explored how adult survivors of child sexual abuse experienced adjustments to their self-structure through meaning-making in therapy. Following extensive searches of academic databases, 15 studies were identified for review. Using thematic analysis, eight themes emerged. The eight identified themes of trust, acknowledgement, evolution, acceptance, integration, congruence, relational, and agency represented distinct but interrelated components of self-structure. The findings also indicated that self-structure components may be both intra- and interrelational in nature and that movement in one theme may facilitate movement in another. While recognizing that the nature of the research captured a composite of experiences, it was found that there was a consistent movement and fluidity as to how participants arrived at an adjusted position for each of the themes. A suggested theoretical framework was developed showing the components of the self-structure impacted by meaning-making and the nature of the adjustments made. Recommendations are made regarding future research.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This critical literature review explored how adult survivors of child sexual abuse experienced adjustments to their self-structure through meaning-making in therapy. Following extensive searches of academic databases, 15 studies were identified for review. Using thematic analysis, eight themes emerged. The eight identified themes of trust, acknowledgement, evolution, acceptance, integration, congruence, relational, and agency represented distinct but interrelated components of self-structure. The findings also indicated that self-structure components may be both intra- and interrelational in nature and that movement in one theme may facilitate movement in another. While recognizing that the nature of the research captured a composite of experiences, it was found that there was a consistent movement and fluidity as to how participants arrived at an adjusted position for each of the themes. A suggested theoretical framework was developed showing the components of the self-structure impacted by meaning-making and the nature of the adjustments made. Recommendations are made regarding future research.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
literature reviews, survivors, child sexual abuse, therapy and treatment, wellbeing, recovery, self-concept;
Disability and Society, 31(8), 2016, pp.1050-1063.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
This article explores whether it is fruitful to use a service user/survivor approach to recovery, by seeing recovery as survival of social invalidation. That is survival of the psychosocial forces that were the source of the experience of mental distress, and as survival of social oppression by the psychiatric services and/or wider society. It could be argued that the participants in this study in the United Kingdom and Sweden recovered, and reclaimed and (re)constructed positive identities. They actively resisted experiences of disablism and rebuilt their lives. By approaching recovery from a service user/survivor perspective, one is focusing on the social, structural and political aspects of the recovery process, and one is resisting biomedical, deviant and reductionist notions of recovery.
(Publisher abstract)
This article explores whether it is fruitful to use a service user/survivor approach to recovery, by seeing recovery as survival of social invalidation. That is survival of the psychosocial forces that were the source of the experience of mental distress, and as survival of social oppression by the psychiatric services and/or wider society. It could be argued that the participants in this study in the United Kingdom and Sweden recovered, and reclaimed and (re)constructed positive identities. They actively resisted experiences of disablism and rebuilt their lives. By approaching recovery from a service user/survivor perspective, one is focusing on the social, structural and political aspects of the recovery process, and one is resisting biomedical, deviant and reductionist notions of recovery.
(Publisher abstract)
Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 20(3), 2016, pp.167-173.
Publisher:
Emerald
... limitations/implications: The small sample limits generalisation of this study, but the methods for data collection were found to be feasible. Preliminary findings suggest that the workshops have a positive impact on recovery.
Originality/value: This paper describes an evaluation of an innovative programme of comedy workshops for people recovering from substance abuse problems. The preliminary findings point to a new hypothesis about recovery, that successful recovery might be characterised by a smaller social network, with stronger mutual bonds.
(Publisher abstract)
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe an exploratory pilot study to assess the methods used to evaluate an innovative programme of comedy workshops for a small cohort of people recovering from substance misuse problems. The comedy workshops involved participants working with a professional comedian to explore, develop, write and finally perform a stand-up comedy routine drawing from their own personal experiences.
Design/methodology/approach: The impact of the programme was gauged using questionnaires; the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the General Self-Efficacy, Scale and the Life Orientation Test-Revised and Eco-Mapping Tool.
Findings: Ten participants began the programme with four participants following through to public performance at an evening showcase event. The quantitative measures showed favourable results on three positive outcome measures; psychological well-being, self-esteem and self-efficacy. Participant’s number of social relationships and strength of relationships decreased following the intervention, however, relationships were more mutual and were characterised by less conflict following the workshop.
Research limitations/implications: The small sample limits generalisation of this study, but the methods for data collection were found to be feasible. Preliminary findings suggest that the workshops have a positive impact on recovery.
Originality/value: This paper describes an evaluation of an innovative programme of comedy workshops for people recovering from substance abuse problems. The preliminary findings point to a new hypothesis about recovery, that successful recovery might be characterised by a smaller social network, with stronger mutual bonds.
(Publisher abstract)
Social Work in Mental Health, 14(3), 2016, pp.215-226.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Limited knowledge exists about the experience of mothers with serious mental illness in developing their maternal identity and the challenges they face in this process. This subject was examined in Israel in a qualitative research with 12 mothers. The results indicated the contribution of the motherhood experience to the development of positive identity and to the management of mental illness. The mothers described tensions between their efforts to maintain their maternal identity during periods of deterioration in their mental health situation, as well as lack of sufficient attention by their formal and informal support systems to these tensions. Mental health professionals need to provide legitimacy to the positive contribution that the motherhood experience may have on the women’s identity, as well as to provide them support with the effects that changes in their mental health situation may have on their sense of maternal identity.
(Publisher abstract)
Limited knowledge exists about the experience of mothers with serious mental illness in developing their maternal identity and the challenges they face in this process. This subject was examined in Israel in a qualitative research with 12 mothers. The results indicated the contribution of the motherhood experience to the development of positive identity and to the management of mental illness. The mothers described tensions between their efforts to maintain their maternal identity during periods of deterioration in their mental health situation, as well as lack of sufficient attention by their formal and informal support systems to these tensions. Mental health professionals need to provide legitimacy to the positive contribution that the motherhood experience may have on the women’s identity, as well as to provide them support with the effects that changes in their mental health situation may have on their sense of maternal identity.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
self-concept, mothers, mental health problems, parental role, severe mental health problems, recovery;
TIMANDER Ann-Charlott, GRINYER Anne, MOLLER Anders
Journal article citation:
Disability and Society, 30(3), 2015, pp.327-339.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
This article explores the possibility of using a theoretical framework drawn from disability studies in the field of mental health, and the study of identity (re)construction in the recovery process. In this PhD project, 33 narratives were analysed using framework analysis. The analysis showed that disablism was present and powerful in the participants’ lives, and also showed how disablism shaped
(Publisher abstract)
This article explores the possibility of using a theoretical framework drawn from disability studies in the field of mental health, and the study of identity (re)construction in the recovery process. In this PhD project, 33 narratives were analysed using framework analysis. The analysis showed that disablism was present and powerful in the participants’ lives, and also showed how disablism shaped how the participants thought and felt about themselves. As Carol Thomas argues, when analysing disablism one should also focus on who we are and are prevented from being, as disabled people. The conclusion is that processes of oppression were central when it comes to understanding the (re)construction of identities. A disability studies perspective is thus relevant in the field of mental distress, and can be used to enhance the understanding of the process of identity (re)construction.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
self-concept, recovery, service users, user views, mental health problems, stereotyped attitudes, severe mental health problems;
Journal of Mental Health, 29(4), 2020, pp.483-491.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
London
According to Slade’s Personal Recovery Framework, mental health recovery involves developing a positive identity, reframing experiences, developing self-management and valued social roles. Aim: This study explored how developing a personal narrative can support mental health recovery through reframing and developing a more positive identity. This paper provides an overview of the study’s three phases and the resultant Personal Narrative Workshop Programme. Method: Phase 1 involved developing and analysing my own recovery narrative using autoethnography. Phase 2 used Participatory Action Research (PAR) to explore the experience of other service users, with co-researchers recruited to two focus groups. Six co-researchers continued into Phase 3 (three cycles of PAR) to develop the workshop
(Publisher abstract)
According to Slade’s Personal Recovery Framework, mental health recovery involves developing a positive identity, reframing experiences, developing self-management and valued social roles. Aim: This study explored how developing a personal narrative can support mental health recovery through reframing and developing a more positive identity. This paper provides an overview of the study’s three phases and the resultant Personal Narrative Workshop Programme. Method: Phase 1 involved developing and analysing my own recovery narrative using autoethnography. Phase 2 used Participatory Action Research (PAR) to explore the experience of other service users, with co-researchers recruited to two focus groups. Six co-researchers continued into Phase 3 (three cycles of PAR) to develop the workshop programme. Results: An eight-session workshop programme was co-produced and fully documented. Conclusions: Developing a narrative is not benign: it can involve reliving trauma; and dealing with the ‘voice of others’ in our narratives can be difficult. As a result, the workshop programme aimed to provide a supportive environment, promoting collaboration and validation. Methodological issues resulted from the complexities of using a PAR approach, and on the multiplicity of roles for the researcher.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
mental health care, self-concept, life story work, focus groups, collaboration, groupwork, mental health, recovery;