Towards a social model of madness and distress?: exploring what service users say

Authors:
BERESFORD Peter, NETTLE Mary, PERRING Rebecca
Publisher:
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Publication year:
2010
Pagination:
4p.
Place of publication:
York

There has been more emphasis on social approaches to mental health in recent years, reflected, for example, in the establishment of the Social Perspectives Network. There have been some initial discussions about a social model relating to mental health among mental health service users/survivors. However, as yet, this has not been widely explored or developed. This report provides a summary of a national study which explores with mental health service users what models they feel underpin current thinking in mental health policy and practice. It asks what effects these models may have, and looks at what models service users think might be helpful. Key findings suggest that most service users believe that a medical model based on deficit and pathology still dominates public and professional understanding of mental health issues, shaping attitudes and policy. The idea of a social model of madness and distress, following the format of the social model of disability, met mixed views. The labelling and stigma following from a medical model of mental illness are major barriers for mental health service users. Service users see social approaches to mental health issues as much more helpful.

Subject terms:
medical model, mental health problems, mental health services, policy, service users, social model, stereotyped attitudes, user views;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
United Kingdom
Link:
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Series name:
(Findings; November 2010, ref. 2580)
ISBN print:
0958 3084

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