Concept analysis of recovery in mental illness in young adulthood

Abstract

Recovery, as a concept, emerged as a core philosophy of the service user movement that began in the late 1960s and 1970s. Previous reviews on recovery in mental health have presented definitions or a conceptual framework; however, over time it has been open to disparate interpretations. The aim of this paper was to conduct the first concept analysis of mental health recovery in young adulthood within various multidisciplinary contexts. Rodgers's (2000) six-stepped evolutionary method enabled the analysis of recovery's conceptual characteristics, the identification of an exemplar and the proposition of a hypothesis with implications for practice. This analysis has revealed the derivation of the term recovery does not convey its identified conceptual characteristics. Identified attributes include the reawakening of hope, reclaiming a positive self and meaning through personal growth. Antecedents include the disruption of illness, stigmatization, internal inventory and contemplative recovery. Identified consequences include the return to normality, reconstruction of self and active social connection. The new conceptual definition is the reawakening of hope and rediscovery of a positive sense of self through finding meaning and purpose within personal growth and connection using creative self-care coping strategies. This paper reveals an apparent disparity between professional and personal interpretations of recovery. Therefore, the implication for mental health nursing is the congruence of recovery-orientated practice with the process of recovery experienced by young adult service users.

Qualitative process evaluation of a psycho-educational intervention targeted at people diagnosed with schizophrenia and their primary caregivers in Jordan

“…Close investigation of the interviews of PDwS revealed that different mechanisms were used among interviewees to remind them to take medications on time, including putting medication in obvious places, taking medicine at the same time daily, or depending on the primary caregivers to remind them: “….. Previously, my family placed the tablets in my food or juice [ 25 ] , because I refused to take them […]. However, now I take my medication on time [….].…”

“…This stigmatisation of mental illness is often associated with a reduction in those affected seeking treatment from a mental health service, engaging in rehabilitation interventions, and adhering to medication [ 23 , 24 ]. Similarly, young people with mental illnesses are often reluctant to seek treatment due to the fear that self-disclosure may be perceived as an individual weakness or may bring shame to one’s family [ 25 ]. In addition, in Arab countries, the distinction between physical and psychological health is not common, and has not been as historically prevalent as in so-called Western Countries.…”

Lost in transition? Perceptions of health care among young people with mental health problems in Germany: a qualitative study

“…Moreover, the experience of failing to meet expectations of self-optimisation might have caused frustration and anger towards the mental health services system. These results indicate that integrating the mental illness into their personal identities and lives in terms of a recovery process is a permanent challenge for transition-age youth [ 29 ].…”

The concept of recovery and its practical application

“…This means that attempts to conceptualize a succinct construct of recovery are doomed if they fail to recognize that it is a contested construct. McCauley et al (2015) have highlighted many surrogate terms used in place of recovery by some influential individuals and a number of disciplines. For example, it has been conceptualized as 'the birth of hope' and 'resurrection' (Deegan, 1988, p. 56-57); and 'a journey of the human heart' (Deegan, 1995, p.92).…”

“…Likewise, the medical meaning has influenced the conceptualization of recovery in the psychiatric and mental health nursing, and the behavioural sciences literature. Consequently, the terms 'recovery' and 'rehabilitation' are often used as substitutes (McCauley et al, 2015).Critics point out that the baffling use of interchangeable terminologies rooted in different philosophies are rarely made explicit (Collier, 2010;Davidson et al 2005). It appears that attempts to conceptualize this complex and multifaceted concept have resulted in a terminological minefield.…”