Using personal narratives of mental health struggles in a digital library format can help others in their own recovery, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Nottingham. The team collected hundreds of different audio, video, written and image files recounting different stories of recovery, to understand their effectiveness in mental health settings. Study participants were given access to the library over the course of a year to use as much or as little as they needed, and results showed uplifts in their quality of life. The cost of using the library was up to two-thirds cheaper than traditional treatment pathways, the research found.
Research lead Prof. Mike Slade spent two years building a theoretical framework for the study and, after gathering over 600 stories from all over the world, the study found that hearing other people’s narratives far exceeded any risks or adverse effects. Results also revealed an unexpected benefit of the library – an increased perception of meaningfulness in participants’ lives. Many mental health professionals are not surprised by the findings and have been incorporating recovery stories as one element of treatment pathways for years.
Dr Stefan Rennick-Egglestone, study co-ordinator, said that providing people with these autobiographical stories could give them hope that recovery is possible and could motivate them to find new routes to help themselves. He added that the study’s purpose was to make use of personal experiences in various healthcare settings and harness their power, as part of a broader shift towards this approach, offered by the NHS’ increasing use of peer support workers.
Researchers involved in the study hope that the effectiveness of personal narratives to help others with their mental health recovery will lead to more investment in this area, as many people dealing with a range of mental health problems could benefit from them. Their next steps include developing NEON – the Narrative Experiences Online Intervention – for use with those who are experiencing alcohol abuse or dementia. The study also plans to seek funding to implement the library in two healthcare trusts and across a third-sector organisation
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