Gathering input for a mental health intervention based on recovery narratives: a focus group study

Recovery narratives (RNs) could potentially be beneficial for service users, leading to hope and a sense of recognition. It remains understudied how to adequately implement these in mental health treatment. To gather input for the development of a RN intervention, we organized focus groups (FGs) with SMI service users (n=6), autism service users (n=3), peer support workers (n=4) and other health care professionals (n=4). The audio recorded sessions followed a semi-structured interview format addressing nine topics, including the potential of RNs as an intervention, platform to offer RNs and considerations regarding sharing your own RN. Consensus of the thematic analysis of the transcripts was finalized after a member check. Analysis of the nine interview topics resulted into six major themes: 1) Potential positive vs. negative effects; 2) Narrative content and modality; 3) Public availability vs. anonymity; 4) Freedom vs. structure; 5) Platform structuring; and 6) Contact options and emotional support. Member checking confirmed credibility of the findings. Developing a structured yet tailored RN intervention as part of mental healthcare treatment seems promising. Several important considerations need to be taken into account, such as practical and hopeful RN content, to increase the potential for recovery promoting effects.