ABSTRACT
Objectives
Identity is our continuous, dynamic sense of self. Significant changes, such as experiencing serious mental illnesses (SMI), can impact identity. Intentionally negotiating identity is described as key to the personal recovery process by people with SMI, and many would like a chance to reflect on this process with their mental health practitioners (MHPs). Initial findings suggest this identity-focused work may impact well-being. Yet, little is known about whether or how identity currently features in mental health support, or about MHPs’ views regarding this. This study aimed to address this gap.
Method
This study used a mixed-methods concurrent triangulation design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from UK-based MHPs exploring their perspectives about inviting discussions about identity, using an online survey. Responses were analysed descriptively using percentages/frequencies and latent content analysis, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative results were analysed separately, then integrated.
Results
Of the 40 MHPs surveyed, most were psychologists, female, White and 24–35 years old. Most (~90%) felt that inviting a discussion about service users=’ (SUs) sense of identity was important and supported recovery. However, only 50% reported frequently asking about it. Despite judging this important for SUs, challenges to discussing identity in practice were raised including risking overcomplicating discussions, time/service constraints and fear of ineptly guiding the conversation.
Conclusions
MHPs think identity is central to recovery. However, many did not feel confident exploring the topic with SUs. Future research should replicate the study with a larger sample of mental health professionals and identify existing therapeutic tools that give space to reflect on identity that clinicians could be trained to deliver.