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A Complexity Perspective on Narrative Identity Reconstruction in Mental Health Recovery
Douglas John Rennox Kerr1, Frank Patrick Deane1, Trevor Patrick Crowe1
1University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
Qualitative Health Research
|November 16, 2019
Summary
Mental health peer support workers reconstruct narrative identity through self-mastery during recovery. This adaptive growth, especially at turning points, is key to their recovery journey and personal agency.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Mental Health Recovery
- Narrative Identity
Background:
- Complex nonlinear change processes are poorly understood in mental health recovery.
- Applying these concepts in recovery-oriented healthcare presents significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore narrative identity reconstruction in recovery among mental health peer support workers.
- To understand recovery through a complexity perspective using their lived experiences.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study involving 17 mental health peer support workers.
- Utilized the Life Story Model of Identity (LSMI).
- Conducted narrative thematic analysis of interviews.
Main Results:
- Self-mastery emerged as a crucial element in narrative identity reconstruction.
- Self-mastery was prominent in redemptive story turning points, where positive outcomes followed negative experiences.
- A complexity perspective highlighted participants' adaptive capacity and self-mastery's influence on recovery.
Conclusions:
- Self-mastery is vital for personal agency and adaptive growth in mental health recovery.
- Understanding self-mastery's role in narrative identity reconstruction offers a promising research avenue.
- Complexity theory provides valuable insights into the recovery process.
Keywords:
AustraliaNew South Walesagencycomplex adaptive systeminterviewsmental health recoverynarrative identityqualitativeself-masteryMore Related Videos
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