Jansson I, Thörne K, Masterson D. Beyond conventional healthcare for mental health problems: Experiences of existential group conversations.
Scand J Occup Ther 2024;
31:2244547. [PMID:
37552998 DOI:
10.1080/11038128.2023.2244547]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Mental health problems (MHP) are a major public health challenge. Conventional healthcare has shown limitation on reducing MHP and there is a call for offering methods beyond healthcare as well as improve access to healthcare.
AIMS
To explore experiences among people having MHP of (i) taking part in existential conversations in groups beyond conventional healthcare and (ii) seeking and receiving conventional healthcare.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Four focus group interviews were conducted after finishing existential conversations in groups. Data was analyzed following thematic analysis.
RESULTS
The theme Access to a community for exploration and acceptance describes communication through impressions and expressions together with others. A reflective perspective on everyday life, describes re-evaluation through reflection. Within the theme Experiences of healthcare related encounters, referring to the second aim, participants recollected feelings of disconnectedness, difficulties verbalizing MHP and dealing with rigid, standardized measures.
CONCLUSION
Existential conversations in group may contribute to a more reflected doing in accordance with one's own values as well as improved mental health literacy. Design and measures within healthcare need to explicitly address MHP and consider individual's own preferences.
SIGNIFICANCE
This study contributes to understanding of coping with MHP in everyday life from an existential perspective.
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