Maddening Post-Qualitative Inquiry: An Exercise in Collective (Mad) Theorising.

Area of Science:

• Qualitative Health Research
• Mental Health Research
• Mad Methodologies
• Post-Qualitative Inquiry

Background:

• Post-qualitative inquiry and Mad methodologies are emerging approaches in qualitative health research.
• These methods offer potential for generating novel knowledge and practices within mental health research.
• There is a growing recognition of their value, particularly in research involving mental health service users and survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of integrating post-qualitative and Mad methodologies.
• To focus on research led by or centering mental health service users and survivors.
• To investigate how these combined approaches can foster new understandings and practices in mental health care.

Main Methods:

• The study involved a workshop with peer support workers.
• The workshop focused on mapping affective intensities within mental health assemblages.
• Reflective practice was used to analyze the workshop experience and its implications.

Main Results:

• The integration of post-qualitative and Mad research approaches revealed potential synergies.
• Tensions between these methodologies were identified as productive for advancing mental health research.
• The workshop provided insights into mapping affective intensities in mental health contexts.

Conclusions:

• Combining post-qualitative and Mad methodologies can significantly benefit mental health research.
• This integration can bridge theoretical frameworks with the lived experiences of service users and survivors.
• The approach facilitates a transformative 'think-feel-become' process concerning healthcare, peer support, and activism.