Predictors of Hope Among Members of Mental Health Self-Help Agencies

Continuum between Relational and Therapeutic Models of Self-help in Mental Health: A Qualitative Approach

Self-help groups are generally described as "group[s] composed of individuals who meet on a regular basis to help one another cope with a life problem" (APA, 2019). Yet, it is challenging to find a univocal definition of self-help groups. Scholars usually use different labels to highlight various features of self-help groups, suggesting the need for further inquiry regarding commonalities and differences. The level of professional involvement is one of the most disputed factors influencing whether a group is considered to belong to the "self-help family." The present qualitative study aimed to understand how professional support in Tuscany, Italy can influence the organizational choices of these groups (place for meetings, admission criteria, timing, etc.), as well as the personal beliefs of members. The study included 17 self-help groups. During 13 focus groups meetings, 92 participants were interviewed; then, we individually interviewed 19 facilitators and six additional key informants from mental health settings. We used a grounded theory approach, and we discussed the emerging models with participants at a public event. Results show the emergence of two theoretical models to define self-help groups, not to be interpreted as mutually exclusive. The "relational model" refers to self-help groups whose main feature is to guarantee the acquisition of specific skills (social comparison skills, active listening, and empathy), while the "therapeutic model" seems to represent a kind of assimilation of other types of interventions.

Implementing the Strengths Model of case management: group supervision fidelity outcomes

To evaluate group supervision implementation fidelity in the Strengths Model of case management within one adult mental health service. A fidelity audit was undertaken to analyse data across three service settings-residential and community-during the initial three months, utilising instruments developed by Rapp and Goscha (The Strengths Model: Case management with people with psychiatric disabilities, vol 2. Oxford University Press, New York, 2006). Very high fidelity for group supervision was achieved for group interaction (74.8%), client work (77%) and by case managers (90%). A standardised approach to group supervision process and documentation greatly supported fidelity in implementation. The Rapp and Goscha tools had utility as both learning aids and audit instruments.

Determinants, self-management strategies and interventions for hope in people with mental disorders: systematic search and narrative review

Developing a recovery focus in mental health services is a policy goal internationally, and hope is a central component of recovery. Yet determinants of hope of people with mental disorders are not well known, nor are strategies and interventions that increase hope. This study aims to systematically summarise the available evidence to fill four relevant knowledge gaps: (1) hope scales used in psychiatric research, (2) determinants of hope, (2) hope-fostering self-management strategies, and (3) interventions to increase hope for people with mental disorders. We conducted a systematic literature search in April 2011 and a narrative synthesis of publications including qualitative and quantitative studies. Results for the first time provide a comprehensive overview of existing evidence and identify important scientific knowledge gaps: (1) Hope scales used do slightly vary in focus but are overall comparable. (2) Most published research used cross-sectional designs resulting in a high number of potential determinants of hope. No studies prospectively investigated the influence of these determinants. (3) Hope fostering self-management strategies of people with mental disorders were described in qualitative studies only with experimental studies completely missing. (4) While some recovery oriented interventions were shown to increase hope as a secondary outcome, there are no successful interventions specifically aimed at increasing hope. This review provides the basis for both practical and research recommendations: The five most promising candidate interventions to improve hope in people with mental disorders are (i) collaborative strategies for illness management, (ii) fostering relationships, (iii) peer support, (iv) helping clients to assume control and to formulate and pursue realistic goals, and (v) specific interventions to support multiple positive factors such as self-esteem, self-efficacy, spirituality and well-being. These may serve to directly improve care and to develop theory-based models and testable interventions to improve hope in mental health as well as in allied fields.

Hope from the perspective of people with schizophrenia (Korea)

Studies about hope, a major contributing factor to recovery, are relatively rare in mental health literature. This qualitative study was conducted to explore the nature of hope in 25 Koreans with schizophrenia (16 men and 9 women). Participants were asked to respond to three questions about hope: What does hope mean to you? What do you hope for? Where does hope come from for you? Hope in people with schizophrenia is similar to hope in people without schizophrenia; hope comes from loving and being loved in interpersonal relationships.

Referral to consumer-run programs by mental health providers: a national survey

This study describes mental health providers' awareness of, attitudes toward, and likelihood to refer to consumer-run programs. A mail survey method was used with a total of 301 questionnaires returned (33.5% response rate) from a national random sample. Findings suggest that providers believe consumers are able to provide effective mental health services, yet have less confidence in consumer-run programs. Slightly over half of the providers were aware of consumer-run programs and fewer had made referrals. Providers in non-public settings, agencies that hire consumers as providers, and agencies that collaborate with consumer-run programs were more likely to have made referrals. To maximize available community supports for service recipients, providers should consider newer, consumer-run service technologies.

Promoting Healthy Organizational Partnerships and Collaboration Between Consumer-run and Community Mental Health Agencies

Community mental health agencies (CMHAs) and consumer-run agencies (CRAs) both provide critically important services to persons with severe psychiatric disabilities. Emerging research has begun to support the effectiveness of the CRA approach, a newer service delivery mechanism. However, collaboration between the two service systems, when it occurs, is often problematic. This article briefly identifies the core features of CRAs, discusses their potential for collaboration with CMHAs, and suggests ways to promote healthy organizational partnerships between the two based upon the model proposed by Gidron and Hasenfeld [(1994) Nonprofit Management & Leadership, 5(2), 159-172]. Salient collaboration theories are reviewed and barriers to collaboration are discussed. Finally, implications for mental health practice and future research directions are identified.