Strength-Based Approach in Indian Clinical Practice: Reflections from a Five-year Ethnographic Study

ABSTRACT

Background

Research and practice in the area of mental health has been conventionally predominated by the deficit-based approach, which attempts to improve lives by fixing symptoms. However, the growing impact of the positive psychology movement in the last two decades has resulted in incorporation of the strength-based approach into mental health work.

Purpose

The objective of this article is to (i) emphasize the efficacy of strength-based approach in the area of mental health (ii) identify shortcomings in the Indian Mental Health System (MHS) (iii) recognize micro-level initiatives in the MHS and (iv) provide recommendations for the future.

Method

These objectives are accomplished via reflections obtained from an ethnographic research with participants reporting mental health symptoms. Additionally, opinions gathered from mental health professionals, and government and non-government organizations working in the area were also considered.

Results

This work has shed light on the recent micro-level transformations in the system including contextualization of mental illness and treatment, valuing patient’s input in the treatment process, and the creation and effective functioning of mental health task-forces.

Conclusion

This paper concludes with a four-point recommendation that can help to incorporate the strength-based approach in MHSs for better outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• strength-based approach
• positive psychiatry
• narrative psychiatry
• ethnographic research
• positive psychology

Acknowledgement

This work was conducted by the first author as part of her M.Phil + Ph.D. dual degree project funded by Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad through Ministry of Education, India.

The authors thank the participants, and mental health professionals who have shared their valuable experiences and viewpoints.

Disclosure statement

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

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.