Protocol: A grounded theory of ‘recovery’—perspectives of adolescent users of mental health services

Abstract

IntroductionPolicies internationally endorse the recovery paradigm as the appropriate foundation for youth mental health services. However, given that this paradigm is grounded in the views of adults with severe mental illness, applicability to youth services and relevance to young people is uncertain, particularly as little is known about young people’s views. A comprehensive understanding of the experiences and expectations of young people is critical to developing youth mental health services that are acceptable, accessible, effective and relevant.AimTo inform development of policy and youth services, the study described in this protocol aims to develop a comprehensive account of the experiences and expectations of 12–17 year olds as they encounter mental disorders and transition through specialist mental health services. Data will be analysed to model recovery from the adolescents’ perspective.Method and analysisThis grounded theory study will use quantitative and qualitative data collected in interviews with 12–17 year olds engaged with specialist Child/Youth Mental Health Service in Queensland, Australia. Interviews will explore adolescents’ expectations and experiences of mental disorder, and of services, as they transition through specialist mental health services, including the meaning of their experiences and ideas of ‘recovery’ and how their experiences and expectations are shaped. Data collection and analysis will use grounded theory methods.Ethics and disseminationAdolescents’ experiences will be presented as a mid-range theory. The research will provide tangible recommendations for youth-focused mental health policy and practice. Findings will be disseminated within academic literature and beyond to participants, health professionals, mental health advocacy groups and policy and decision makers via publications, research summaries, conferences and workshops targeting different audiences. Ethical and research governance approvals have been obtained from relevant Human Research Ethics committees and all sites involved.

The lived experience of adolescent users of mental health services in Vienna, Austria: A qualitative study of personal recovery

“…This study provides insight into how adolescent users of mental health services experience their personal recovery and what they perceive as supportive and obstructive, a little researched topic (John et al, ; Mental Health Coordinating Council, ; Naughton et al, ; Palmquist et al, ; Ward, ). The results of this study indicate that the CHIME framework of Leamy et al (), which was used as the theoretical framework, was transferable to the personal recovery of the adolescents.…”

“…Although many studies exist on this topic, there is a paucity of literature in the context of adolescent mental health. Several authors have pointed out this gap in the literature (John, Jeffries, Acuna-Rivera, Warren, & Simonds, 2015;Mental Health Coordinating Council, 2014;Palmquist, Patterson, O'Donovan, & Bradley, 2017;Ward, 2014a). Naughton et al (2018) identified the lack of published literature about child and adolescent mental health recovery as an initial important finding of their review.…”

“…Naughton et al () identified the lack of published literature about child and adolescent mental health recovery as an initial important finding of their review. Consequently, the conceptualization of “personal recovery” is rooted in adult data, and little is known about adolescents’ experiences with and views about “personal recovery” (Palmquist et al, ; Ward, ).…”

Recovery Assessment Scale‐Domains and Stages: Measurement capacity, relevance, acceptability and feasibility of use with young people

“…In this context, rather than cure, recovery refers to living a personally meaningful, contributing and engaged life within communities of choice irrespective of whether symptoms of illness remain (Leamy, Bird, Le Boutillier, Williams, & Slade, ). While a growing body of work articulates the central components, aspects and stages of this personal or consumer rather than functional or clinical understanding of recovery, it is almost entirely based upon adults who have lived with mental illness, typically serious mental illness, for many years (Palmquist, Patterson, O'Donovan, & Bradley, ). Research examining the relevance of the personal recovery construct for young people is in its infancy.…”

“…. While a growing body of work articulates the central components, aspects and stages of this personal or consumer rather than functional or clinical understanding of recovery, it is almost entirely based upon adults who have lived with mental illness, typically serious mental illness, for many years (Palmquist, Patterson, O'Donovan, & Bradley, 2017). Research examining the relevance of the personal recovery construct for young people is in its infancy.…”