Abstract
Recovery Colleges (RCs) are learning-based mental health recovery communities, located globally.
However, evidence on RC effectiveness outside Western, educated, industrialised, rich, and democratic
(WEIRD) countries is limited. This study aimed to evaluate associations between cultural characteristics
and RC fidelity, to understand how culture impacts RC operation. Service managers from 169 RCs
spanning 28 WEIRD and non-WEIRD countries assessed the fidelity using the RECOLLECT Fidelity
Measure, developed based upon key RC operation components. Hofstede’s cultural dimension scores
were entered as predictors in linear mixed-effects regression models, controlling for GDP spent on
healthcare and Gini coefficient. Higher Individualism and Indulgence, and lower Uncertainty Avoidance
were associated with higher fidelity, while Long-Term Orientation was a borderline negative predictor.
RC operations were predominantly aligned with WEIRD cultures, highlighting the need to incorporate
non-WEIRD cultural perspectives to enhance RCs’ global impact. Findings can inform the refinement
and evaluation of mental health recovery interventions worldwide.
However, evidence on RC effectiveness outside Western, educated, industrialised, rich, and democratic
(WEIRD) countries is limited. This study aimed to evaluate associations between cultural characteristics
and RC fidelity, to understand how culture impacts RC operation. Service managers from 169 RCs
spanning 28 WEIRD and non-WEIRD countries assessed the fidelity using the RECOLLECT Fidelity
Measure, developed based upon key RC operation components. Hofstede’s cultural dimension scores
were entered as predictors in linear mixed-effects regression models, controlling for GDP spent on
healthcare and Gini coefficient. Higher Individualism and Indulgence, and lower Uncertainty Avoidance
were associated with higher fidelity, while Long-Term Orientation was a borderline negative predictor.
RC operations were predominantly aligned with WEIRD cultures, highlighting the need to incorporate
non-WEIRD cultural perspectives to enhance RCs’ global impact. Findings can inform the refinement
and evaluation of mental health recovery interventions worldwide.
Original language | English |
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Article number | (2024) 3:46 |
Pages (from-to) | 4 |
Number of pages | 46 |
Journal | NPJ Mental Health Research |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 4 Oct 2024 |