How do social firms contribute to recovery from mental illness? A qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
A definition of recovery drawn from qualitative literature and the 'consumer/survivor' movement suggests that recovery should be seen as a way of developing satisfaction and purpose in life, whether or not symptoms of mental illness are present. A qualitative review suggested that meaningful activity may facilitate recovery by providing a sense of purpose in life. Social firms may be well placed to offer this activity due to their ethos of empowerment, their community integration and their similarity to 'recovery-oriented services'.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to explore experiences of recovery from mental illness in the context of two emerging social firms.


METHODS
A social constructionist version of grounded theory was used to develop a model of recovery through participation in the emerging social firms. Multiple coding, triangulation and respondent validation were used to increase the rigour of study findings.


RESULTS
A model of recovery in the context of the emerging social firms was constructed. This was influenced by characteristics such as a flexible structure, a meaningful and diverse activity, an accepting social group and an inclusive leadership.


CONCLUSIONS
Social firms may provide an important model for 'recovery-oriented services'. Clinical, research and policy implications of findings are discussed.
Svanberg
Jenny
J
University of Glasgow, Section of Psychological Medicine, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
Gumley
Andrew
A
Wilson
Alistair
A
D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D016832:Employment, Supported / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000523:psychology*; D012606:Scotland; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012931:Social Environment; D055815:Young Adult