Social Factors and Recovery from Mental Health Difficulties: A Review of the Evidence

Jerry Tew*, Shula Ramon, Mike Slade, Victoria Bird, Jane Melton, Clair Le Boutillier

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature reviewpeer-review

413 Citations (Scopus)
92 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Although there is now increasing evidence as to the role played by social factors in contributing to the onset of mental health difficulties, there has been little systematic examination of the role that social factors can play in enabling (or impeding) recovery. This paper provides a review of the emerging international literature in this area, and is linked to a wider conceptual review undertaken as part of a major project researching recovery practice in the UK. Research findings are explored in detail in relation to three areas that had been identified by the wider review as central to recovery: empowerment and control over ones life; connectedness (including both inter-personal relationships and social inclusion); and rebuilding positive identities (often within the context of stigma and discrimination). Out of this emerges a clearer picture of the importance of particular social factors, which starts to define a more broad-based and proactive agenda for mental health social work-with an emphasis not just on working with individuals, but also on engaging with families and communities. However, there is a need for further research and development work in order to determine how to intervene most effectively in order to influence specific social factors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)443-460
Number of pages18
JournalBritish Journal of Social Work
Volume42
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2012

Keywords

  • social inclusion
  • PERCEIVED STIGMA
  • ASSERTIVE COMMUNITY TREATMENT
  • QUALITY-OF-LIFE
  • EMPOWERMENT
  • PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITIES
  • ILLNESS STIGMA
  • recovery
  • identity
  • EXPRESSED EMOTION
  • FOLLOW-UP
  • mental health
  • PEOPLE
  • Empowerment
  • SCHIZOPHRENIA

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