Beyond recovery : sense of self and psychosocial change following recent onset psychosis

Background: The experience of a Recent Onset Psychosis (ROP) can be traumatic. Framing psychosis using a trauma model has implications for understanding recovery. That psychosis can precipitate Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been demonstrated. However, little research has explored constructive changes that may occur as a result of the struggle to overcome the traumatic experience. \nAim: This study sought to explore Post-traumatic Growth (PTG) following a ROP and the relationship of this to the re-construction of the self, which is regarded as central to the recovery process. \nMethod: The study used a constructivist grounded theory approach. Eight individuals who had experienced a recent onset of psychosis, were recruited through NHS and third sector organisations. The participants engaged in semi-structured interviews about their experience of recovery from psychosis and associated perceptions of change (e.g., PTG and Post-traumatic Depreciation (PTD)). \nResults: The theme ‘the immediate crisis and aftermath’ epitomised the trauma of psychosis and ongoing struggle. The remaining themes ‘making sense’ and ‘finding a sense of value and purpose’ represented strategies employed by the participants to regain a sense of self. Making sense involved creating a ‘narrative of the crisis’ and of the future ‘recovered self’. ‘Re-gaining trust’ was central to the development of reinstating a perception of self as having value and purpose alongside ‘social participation’. Through participants’ engagement in these strategies the core category ‘Post-traumatic Growth’ emerged reflecting positive change, which included the categories: ‘increased self-awareness’; ‘increased empathy for others’; ‘deeper relationships’; and ‘reassessing priorities’. \nConclusions: The findings have numerous clinical implications for clinical psychology and more widely for service delivery. The study recommends fruitful research endeavours in the topic of PTG and ROP.