How people can benefit from mental health consumer-run organizations

Am J Community Psychol. 2009 Jun;43(3-4):177-88. doi: 10.1007/s10464-009-9233-0.

Abstract

The goal of this study is to develop a more comprehensive theoretical understanding of the processes by which people can benefit from mental health consumer-run organizations (CROs). To accomplish this goal, the concept of roles is used to create a preliminary framework that draws connections between several established theoretical explanations. To ground theory development in empirical data, 194 CRO members from 20 CROs answered open-ended questions about what personal changes occurred as a result of their CRO involvement and what CRO participation experiences enabled personal change. Data analysis led to the identification of 18 personal change categories and 7 experiences that led to change. These categories were integrated into the preliminary theoretical framework, which needed to be extended to accommodate all categories. While inevitably tentative, the final conceptualization provides a more comprehensive understanding of the processes by which people can benefit from CRO participation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Consumer Organizations / economics
  • Consumer Organizations / organization & administration*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis*
  • Female
  • Health Care Costs
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Concept
  • Social Support
  • Young Adult