Towards a Theory of Perspective Enhancement for Mental Health

Abstract

This study develops a comprehensive framework for understanding mental health and well-being outside of the traditional medical paradigm influencing mental health service delivery. A literature review was undertaken using the concept of ‘therapeutic landscapes’ (Gesler, 1992) to explore tangible and existential factors that have contributed to enhanced mental health and well-being. A Grounded Theory methodology was used to explore the factors contributing to mental health and well-being as perceived by recipients in the field of mental health (including mental health consumers and carers) as well as stakeholders in the fields of hospitality and natural therapies. Sixty interviews were undertaken across the three theoretical samples: mental health, hospitality and natural therapies. A range of secondary data was gathered, including informal observation notes, photographs, mind maps, focus group summaries, and participant feedback forms. While the main concern was how mental health consumers and carers became disillusioned as a result of relationships, environments and intervention strategies, the development of a practice framework encapsulated the conditions and contingent factors upon which individuals within the substantive and comparative samples had their perspectives enhanced...