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Social Relationships as a Decisive Factor in Recovering From Severe Mental Illness

Author

Listed:
  • Ulla-Karin Schön

    (Department of Social Work, Stockholm University, Sweden, ulla-karin.schon@socarb.su.se)

  • Anne Denhov

    (Research and Development Unit, Psychiatry, SLSO, Stockholm South, Sweden)

  • Alain Topor

    (Department of Social Work, Stockholm University, Sweden)

Abstract

Background: Recovery research often describes recovery from mental illness as a complex individual process. In this article a social perspective on recovery is developed. Aims: To ascertain which factors people regard as decisive to their own recovery and what makes them beneficial. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 58 persons in Sweden who had recovered from severe mental illness. Interviews were qualitatively analyzed using grounded theory. Results: Three dimensions of contributing recovery factors were identified. Social relationships emerged as the core category throughout these dimensions. Conclusions: The results show that recovery processes are social processes in which social relationships play a key role.

Suggested Citation

  • Ulla-Karin Schön & Anne Denhov & Alain Topor, 2009. "Social Relationships as a Decisive Factor in Recovering From Severe Mental Illness," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 55(4), pages 336-347, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:55:y:2009:i:4:p:336-347
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764008093686
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Russinova, Z. & Wewiorski, N.J. & Cash, D., 2002. "Use of alternative health care practices by persons with serious mental illness: Perceived benefits," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(10), pages 1600-1603.
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    Cited by:

    1. Deborah Windell & Ross MG Norman, 2013. "A qualitative analysis of influences on recovery following a first episode of psychosis," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 59(5), pages 493-500, August.
    2. Greet Wilrycx & Marcel Croon & Anneloes Van den Broek & Chijs van Nieuwenhuizen, 2015. "Evaluation of a recovery-oriented care training program for mental healthcare professionals: Effects on mental health consumer outcomes," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 61(2), pages 164-173, March.
    3. Yvonne Stolk & Katherine Sevar & Nga Tran & Serafino G Mancuso & Prem Chopra & David Castle, 2015. "A comparative study of the economic and social functioning of Vietnamese-Australians with low English proficiency living with psychotic illness," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 61(4), pages 319-329, June.
    4. Sara Fernández-Aguayo & Margarita Pino-Juste, 2023. "Sustainable Health and Wellness: Effectiveness of a Drama Therapy Program to Improve the Wellbeing of People Affected by Mental Health Decline," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-15, August.
    5. Anne Denhov & Alain Topor, 2012. "The components of helping relationships with professionals in psychiatry: Users’ perspective," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 58(4), pages 417-424, July.
    6. J. A. W. M. van Gestel-Timmermans & E. P. M. Brouwers & I. L. Bongers & M. A. L. M. van Assen & Ch. van Nieuwenhuizen, 2012. "Profiles of individually defined recovery of people with major psychiatric problems," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 58(5), pages 521-531, September.
    7. Chijs van Nieuwenhuizen & Greet Wilrycx & Mozhgan Moradi & Evelien Brouwers, 2014. "Psychometric evaluation of the Dutch version of the Mental Health Recovery Measure (MHRM)," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 60(2), pages 162-168, March.
    8. Bernadette AM Cullen & Ramin Mojtabai & Elahe Bordbar & Anita Everett & Katie L Nugent & William W Eaton, 2017. "Social network, recovery attitudes and internal stigma among those with serious mental illness," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 63(5), pages 448-458, August.
    9. Linda Denise Oakley & Jonathan W. Kanter & Janette Y. Taylor & Marilyn Duguid, 2012. "The self-stigma of depression for women," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 58(5), pages 512-520, September.
    10. Yulia Kartalova-O’Doherty & Donna Tedstone Doherty, 2011. "Recovering from mental health problems: Perceived positive and negative effects of medication on reconnecting with life," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 57(6), pages 610-618, November.
    11. Ann J Sheridan & Jonathan Drennan & Barbara Coughlan & Donal O’Keeffe & Kate Frazer & Mary Kemple & Denise Alexander & Frances Howlin & Anne Fahy & Veronica Kow & Eadbhard O’Callaghan, 2015. "Improving social functioning and reducing social isolation and loneliness among people with enduring mental illness: Report of a randomised controlled trial of supported socialisation," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 61(3), pages 241-250, May.

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