Personal journeys of recovery: Exploring the experiences of mental health service users engaging with the Kawa 'River' model.

Abstract

This longitudinal qualitative study examined the lived experiences of a group of mental health service users over a year, as they journeyed through their own recovery. The research aims were: • To examine the personal experiences of mental health recovery from a phenomenological perspective. • To examine the experiences that participants identified as influencing their personal journeys of recovery, using the Kawa model. • To examine the value of the Kawa model as a visual tool in exploring personal journeys of recovery. The eight participants, aged between 48-67 with mental health histories of over 30 years and a range of diagnoses, were recruited via a mental health charity. Each participant was interviewed five times at three monthly intervals throughout one year and created a Kawa map of their personal recovery at each interview. The interviews were analysed via Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, to establish convergent and divergent themes. The five themes were: meanings of recovery; feeling more socially connected; looking outwards and getting involved; coping with life’s challenges; and an evolving journey. The Kawa maps were analysed via the Kawa model framework index (KMFI), which highlighted patterns and trends in supporting recovery and enhanced self-discovery. All participants valued creating the Kawa maps and highlighted the clarity and simplicity of the Kawa model concepts as a positive. Limitations of the study included the lack of diversity of the participants and restrictions with evaluating the participants’ insights solely from the maps. Participants identified having a positive outlook, social connections and meaningful involvement in occupations as essential to their recovery. The contribution of the Kawa model was supported with participants deriving insight, identifying with the river metaphor and feeling empowered to influence their own recovery. The clinical implications for use of the Kawa model included enhanced service user awareness, monitoring of their own mental health and promoting personal recovery.