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| A Definition of Psychological Recovery |
A Definition of Psychological Recovery
Bearing in mind the differences of opinion between consumers on a number of aspects of recovery, and focusing on the commonalities within the experiential accounts exemplified in the four component processes, we formulated the following definition of psychological recovery:
Psychological recovery refers to the establishment of a fulfilling, meaningful life and a positive sense of identity founded on hopefulness and self-determination.
(Andresen, Oades and Caputi, 2003, p. 588) This definition describes recovery from the psychological consequences of the illness. It is not grounded in any causal theory of mental illness, and is silent on whether symptoms of illness are still present in recovery. Although the empowerment model holds many of the same principles, it makes strong statements regarding the aetiology of mental illness, the lack of need for medication and the return to expected roles, which are at odds with the stories of many consumers. Nor does psychological recovery require changing goals or values, as the rehabilitation model of recovery implies (Anthony, 1993). It places no limitations on the possibilities for the person, and at the same time does not confine the definition of recovery to externally valued roles. The person is self-determined in their recovery and chooses the course that best leads to the fulfilment of his or her core values.
Psychological recovery is necessary whether mental illness is biologically based or the result of the exacerbation of emotional problems caused by stress. Even if symptoms can be controlled by medication, the journey of psychological recovery is still necessary. In a more recent article, a consumer explains this succinctly: ‘. . .
the biochemical solution does not bring with it a dream, a goal, a journey, a direction, an inspiration, a faith or a hope. These are what are sought in recovery’ Lunt (2000, p. 1).
The literature contains a number of explicit and implicit definitions of recovery. Although consumer authored literature rarely defines recovery, four component psychological processes were identified: finding and maintaining hope; taking responsibility for wellbeing and life as a whole; renewal of the sense of self and rebuilding a positive identity; and finding a purpose and meaning in life. These processes informed the development of a definition of psychological recovery that can accommodate diverse recovery visions, and are at the heart of recovery. In the next section, we review qualitative studies to determine the stages of recovery, which will provide a framework for a model of psychological recovery.
Bearing in mind the differences of opinion between consumers on a number of aspects of recovery, and focusing on the commonalities within the experiential accounts exemplified in the four component processes, we formulated the following definition of psychological recovery:
Psychological recovery refers to the establishment of a fulfilling, meaningful life and a positive sense of identity founded on hopefulness and self-determination.
(Andresen, Oades and Caputi, 2003, p. 588) This definition describes recovery from the psychological consequences of the illness. It is not grounded in any causal theory of mental illness, and is silent on whether symptoms of illness are still present in recovery. Although the empowerment model holds many of the same principles, it makes strong statements regarding the aetiology of mental illness, the lack of need for medication and the return to expected roles, which are at odds with the stories of many consumers. Nor does psychological recovery require changing goals or values, as the rehabilitation model of recovery implies (Anthony, 1993). It places no limitations on the possibilities for the person, and at the same time does not confine the definition of recovery to externally valued roles. The person is self-determined in their recovery and chooses the course that best leads to the fulfilment of his or her core values.
Psychological recovery is necessary whether mental illness is biologically based or the result of the exacerbation of emotional problems caused by stress. Even if symptoms can be controlled by medication, the journey of psychological recovery is still necessary. In a more recent article, a consumer explains this succinctly: ‘. . .
the biochemical solution does not bring with it a dream, a goal, a journey, a direction, an inspiration, a faith or a hope. These are what are sought in recovery’ Lunt (2000, p. 1).
The literature contains a number of explicit and implicit definitions of recovery. Although consumer authored literature rarely defines recovery, four component psychological processes were identified: finding and maintaining hope; taking responsibility for wellbeing and life as a whole; renewal of the sense of self and rebuilding a positive identity; and finding a purpose and meaning in life. These processes informed the development of a definition of psychological recovery that can accommodate diverse recovery visions, and are at the heart of recovery. In the next section, we review qualitative studies to determine the stages of recovery, which will provide a framework for a model of psychological recovery.
