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Qualitative Research in Mental Health and Mental Illness

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Handbook of Qualitative Health Research for Evidence-Based Practice

Part of the book series: Handbooks in Health, Work, and Disability ((SHHDW,volume 4))

Abstract

In this chapter we present an overview of qualitative research in the mental health field. We provide an historical account of the vital role that qualitative methods have played in the development of theoretical and practice approaches of psychiatry, and their current use in contemporary mental health practice. We consider how different approaches to qualitative research are used to advance knowledge and understanding of mental health, mental illness, and related services and systems, as well as the contributions of qualitative research to the mental health field. We then provide a synthesis of evidence derived from qualitative research within the mental health sector, spanning four key areas: (1) recovery, (2) stigma, (3) employment, and (4) housing. We conclude this chapter with a review of the ongoing challenges facing qualitative researchers in this area.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    By Mad we are referring to a term now used by many individuals to self-identify their experiences with diagnosis, treatment and mental health services. As outlined in the new Canadian Mad Studies reader, Mad Matters (LeFrancois et al. 2013), Mad may refer to a movement, an identity, a stance, an act of resistance, a theoretical approach and a burgeoning field of study. There are many ways to take up a Mad analysis, and they may be informed by multiple ideas from Anti-oppressive social work practice (AOP), Intersectionality, Queer Studies, and the Social model of disability for instance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, IAHS Bldg, 4th Floor, 1400 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 1C7

    Rebecca Gewurtz Ph.D. O.T. Reg. (Ont.) & Sandra Moll Ph.D. O.T. Reg. (Ont.)

  2. School of Social Work, Faculty of Community Services, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5B 2K3

    Jennifer M. Poole M.S.W., Ph.D.

  3. Community Mental Health and Addictions Program, Health Sciences North, 127 Cedar Street, Sudbury, ON, Canada, P3E 1B1

    Karen Rebeiro Gruhl Ph.D., M.Sc. O.T. OT. Reg. (Ont)

Authors
  1. Rebecca Gewurtz Ph.D. O.T. Reg. (Ont.)
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  2. Sandra Moll Ph.D. O.T. Reg. (Ont.)
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  3. Jennifer M. Poole M.S.W., Ph.D.
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  4. Karen Rebeiro Gruhl Ph.D., M.Sc. O.T. OT. Reg. (Ont)
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Correspondence to Rebecca Gewurtz Ph.D. O.T. Reg. (Ont.) .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

    Karin Olson

  2. Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, and Special Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Richard A. Young

  3. Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, and Special Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Izabela Z. Schultz

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Gewurtz, R., Moll, S., Poole, J.M., Gruhl, K.R. (2016). Qualitative Research in Mental Health and Mental Illness. In: Olson, K., Young, R., Schultz, I. (eds) Handbook of Qualitative Health Research for Evidence-Based Practice. Handbooks in Health, Work, and Disability, vol 4. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2920-7_13

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