Research, recovery and mental health: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the limitations of the current research paradigm in mental health, particularly from a recovery perspective, and to suggest an alternative approach to clinical research which may be more in line with recovery principles.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper will first review the dominant research methodology utilised by the mental health disciplines, discussing some of the limitations of this approach, particularly from a recovery perspective. Existing research methodologies which embody recovery principles will then be outlined, before an alternative, more recovery-oriented, approach to research is discussed.

Findings

The findings from this paper suggest that the current research paradigm utilised by the mental health disciplines may not be producing the most optimal results, and that a more recovery-oriented approach could help add to the value of this research, while also involving service users and their carers in the research process in a more meaningful way.

Research limitations/implications

This paper will explore possibilities for undertaking recovery-informed research, which has implications, not only for researchers, service users and their families, but also for the practice of mental health disciplines more broadly.

Originality/value

This paper will introduce a critique of traditional research methodology in mental health and will present an alternative recovery-oriented approach which could help to overcome some of the limitations of the more traditional approach.

Citation

Collins, P. and Crowe, S. (2016), "Research, recovery and mental health: challenges and opportunities", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 174-179. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-02-2016-0010