Recovery and severe mental illness: The role of romantic relationships, intimacy, and sexuality.
| Title | Recovery and severe mental illness: The role of romantic relationships, intimacy, and sexuality. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2016 |
| Authors | Boucher M-E, Groleau D, Whitley R |
| Journal | Psychiatr Rehabil J |
| Volume | 39 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pagination | 180-2 |
| Date Published | 2016 Jun |
| ISSN | 1559-3126 |
| Abstract | OBJECTIVE: The overall aim of this article is to examine the self-defined role of romantic relationships, intimacy and sexuality in recovery from severe mental illness.METHOD: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 35 people with severe mental illness, accompanied by participant observation. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.RESULTS: The vast majority of participants considered a supportive relationship that was emotionally or sexually intimate to be a key facilitator and indicator of recovery. However, only a small minority of participants were actually in such a relationship. Participants reported numerous barriers to forming and maintaining such relationships such as financial strain and enduring stigma against people with mental illness.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Addressing relational and intimate needs have not been a focus of traditional psychiatric services. As such, some form of "supported dating" within the field of psychosocial rehabilitation may be an essential development to foster an oft-overlooked but important aspect of recovery. (PsycINFO Database Record |
| DOI | 10.1037/prj0000193 |
| Alternate Journal | Psychiatr Rehabil J |
| PubMed ID | 27176638 |
