Empowering Mental Health Management: A Participatory Approach for Black Communities Using Psychological Ownership

Black British communities experience significant mental health disparities, driven by systemic racism, stigma and a lack of culturally competent care. Psychological ownership (PO) - the sense that something is 'mine' - offers a novel framework for understanding mental health empowerment and participatory care. This study examines PO as a lens for unpacking barriers and opportunities for empowerment and translating these insights into participatory design solutions.

We conducted semi-structured interviews and co-design workshops with Black British mental health service users and staff at a culturally specific recovery service. Using PO theory, we analysed participants' motives (efficacy and effectance, self-identity, and having a place to dwell) and routes (control, intimate knowledge, and self-investment) for taking ownership of their mental health management.

Key findings confirmed the usefulness of framing understanding mental health empowerment from the perspective of psychological ownership and revealed the importance of culturally grounded spaces, peer support, and participatory decision-making. Co-design workshops further contextualised these findings, resulting in actionable intervention concepts.

By integrating theoretical insights with participatory processes, this study highlights the potential of PO to guide the design of equitable mental health services. It concludes with recommendations for embedding PO principles into culturally competent healthcare models.

The study was conducted at a mental health day service in London, which exclusively serves people of African and Caribbean descent. There is a committee of service users who are involved in providing input and feedback on the delivery of services at the centre. This group was engaged throughout the study, from reviewing the study proposal and materials to engaging in the analysis of interviews and taking part in the codesign activity.