Title:
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Narratives of experts by experience and conceptualisations of mental health
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This doctoral thesis broadly explores lived experience of mental health "recovery"
and narratives of experts by experience. Both "recovery" and "service user involvement" are
key concepts in mental health service provision; however the thesis explores the contrast of
rhetoric with lived experiences. The thesis comprises a literature review, a research paper and
a critical review. In addition, a final section is dedicated to the ethical procedures undertaken
prior to undertaking the research. The literature review adopts a meta-study approach in order
to synthesise the findings of nine qualitative papers studying lived experience of mental
health recovery in the UK. Three overarching concepts are suggested: "social relations", "life
is changing" and "reclamation of experience". Additionally the methodological and
theoretical aspects are critically appraised and implications for the recovery agenda
considered. The research paper explores narratives of experts by experience who deliver
training in partnership on the subject of personality disorder. A narrative framework led to a
temporal understanding of how the role impacts on life stories. In particular the findings
suggest that early experiences were characterised by powerlessness, which were followed by
a process of identity changes as a professional 'self emerged in taking up the trainer role.
These findings were linked to social identity theories and relevant political contexts. Finally,
the critical review presents personal reflections and a further critique of the research process.
This paper includes an exploration of the dialogue and interaction between researcher and
participants and a consideration of the importance of narratives. Overall the thesis highlights
the social construction of mental health experience and the impact of social, political and
cultural contexts.
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