Applying the concept of metacognition in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation: An introduction to the special issue.

Abstract

Although psychiatric rehabilitation has grown dramatically over the last several decades, it remains unclear whether there are general overarching mechanisms of action. One lesser explored possibility is that psychiatric rehabilitation has its long-term effects because of its impact on sense of self. In this special issue authors use the concept of metacognition to explore the links between different forms of psychiatric rehabilitation and sense of self. Summarizing the articles in this issue and previous literature, we suggest that metacognition may offer a way to empirically study how psychiatric rehabilitation practices go beyond empowerment and skills acquisition to deeply affect the subjective experience of recovering persons. Specifically, we suggest that this work helps clarify how reflective abilities that support meaning making and termed here as "metacognition" are an essential part of wellness and recovery. We discuss how these reflective abilities and subsequent meanings emerge within an intersubjective framework emphasizing community and relatedness. Impact and ImplicationsThe term metacognition may offer a theoretical framework and an empirical method to understand and explore subjective changes in the recovery process. Papers is this special issue demonstrate the application of metacognitive perspective in different psychiatric rehabilitation contexts.