title: Making sense of it all: consumer providers' theories about factors facilitating and impeding recovery from psychiatric disabilities.
abstract: This qualitative study examined the accounts of fifteen adults regarding how they recovered from serious psychiatric disability. Interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach within a framework of Symbolic Interactionism. Recovery was identified as a dynamic process of personal growth and transformation. Barriers to recovery included paternalistic and coercive treatment systems, indifferent professionals, side effects from medication, and psychiatric symptoms. The existence of supportive relationships, meaningful activities and effective traditional and alternative treatments were identified as influential in facilitating recovery. The consumer providers who participated in this study provided important findings and fresh understanding about the recovery process.
authors.affiliation: St. Louis University, School of Social Service, St. Louis, MO 63139, USA. mancinim@slu.edu
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.forename: Eric R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Hardiman
authors.forename: Hal A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Lawson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003256:Community Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010379:Peer Group; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D011287:Prejudice; D011379:Prognosis; D011582:Psychological Theory; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012803:Sick Role; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support