The journey through early intervention services : a narrative analysis
Year: 2011
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis represents an exploration of the experience of and recovery from the early stages of psychosis, focusing specifically on first-person accounts. In section one, ten qualitative papers in this area were reviewed and integrated to form a meta- synthesis. The findings of this review suggests that first-episode psychosis is not only traumatic but also has transcendental qualities. Professionals working in this area need to convey this with messages of hope that challenge the traditional belief that experiences of psychosis are incompatible with living a 'normal' life. It also indicates that the process of active meaning making individuals' naturally assume, to attempt to make sense of their experiences, is facilitated using an individualised and tailored approach, rather than relying on prescriptive explanatory models. However, the review highlights the methodological limitations of research in this area and suggests qualitative methodology that encourages participants to freely describe their experiences would add to the existing evidence base. To this end, section two reports the findings of a narrative analysis of six service users' experiences of psychological change and recovery within early intervention services in psychosis. The findings illustrated recovery in this context as a gradual process, punctuated with sudden, pivotal moments that seemed to concide with participants making attempts to become agents in their own change. The study highlights the importance of structure and activity as well as the power of feeling heard. It also argues for more a compassionate approach to recovery rather than reiterating influential social discourses around the importance of work in this process. The journey taken by the researcher through the research process is discussed in section three, with an emphasis on personal reflections and methological evaluation as well as implications for future research.
Author: Clayton, Ruth
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7001406644