A Turning Point Towards Recovery: An Interview Study with Participants in the Culture and Health Programme for Clients with Long-Term Mental Health Disorders in Sweden

Abstract

The study aimed to explore participants’ perceptions and experiences of the Culture and Health programme in Sweden for clients with long-term mental health disorders. A qualitative approach with interviews was applied. Grounded Theory guided the analysis and selection of informants. A total of 15 informants were interviewed. A core category ‘A turning point in dealing with everyday life beyond the mental illness’ with three categories: inner life, social life and occupational life emerged. A theory indicating the importance of asking clients about their expectations, was formulated. Further studies are warranted, including studies of effects.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the informants who have participated in the interviews and shared their perceptions and experiences of the programme. Also, thanks to Ulrika Harris and the local programme leaders who asked the participants and made the practical arrangements, and to Lena Lennartsson for transcription of the interviews. We are very grateful for financial support from Finsam Blekinge, Blekinge County Council, Academy of Caring Sciences at Skane University hospital, and the Southern Health Care Region.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.