How to Use Microhistory Methodology in Mental Health Research

Abstract

Incorporating anthropological principles, microhistory is a research methodology useful for exploring the interplay between ordinary people and social abstractions such as, the market, social systems, and governments. In this paper, the background and characteristics of microhistory are described, and a novel six-stage approach for conducting microhistories in mental healthcare is introduced. Each stage of the process is illustrated using sections from a microhistory focussed on the earliest recorded case comparison between British colonial mental healthcare and Aboriginal Australian traditional healing. Microhistory provides a way to uncover new insights about past mental healthcare, which may contribute to re-conceptualisations of modern-day beliefs and practices.

Acknowledgments

The authors recognise the under acknowledged contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. In this paper we have respectfully used the term “Aboriginal Australians” to refer to Indigenous Australians.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

No funding supported this work.