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Language-Based Methodologies for Studying Mental Health

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Examining Mental Health through Social Constructionism

Part of the book series: The Language of Mental Health ((TLMH))

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Abstract

This chapter focuses on the methodological positions that can be utilised for research in the area of mental distress that focus on language and its role. As research in the area of mental distress is central to informing evidence-based practice, it is useful to consider the most appropriate ways of exploring this topic. In the chapter, the core language-based methodologies, such as the different types of discourse analysis and conversation analysis, are outlined, with examples of their usage in the field of mental health. By using such methodological approaches for research and acknowledging within those practices the central role that language plays, an important qualitative evidence stream can be generated to inform a range of different areas related to mental distress.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Leicester, Leicester, UK

    Michelle O’Reilly

  2. Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA

    Jessica Nina Lester

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  1. Michelle O’Reilly
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  2. Jessica Nina Lester
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Readings of Interest

Readings of Interest

  • Drew, P. (2004). Conversation analysis. In K. L. Fitch & R. E. Sanders (Eds.), Handbook of language and social interaction (pp. 71–102). New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum.

  • Edwards, D., & Potter, J. (1992). Discursive psychology. London: Sage.

  • Harper, D. (2006). Discourse analysis. In M. Slade & S Priebe (Eds.), Choosing methods in mental health research: Mental health research from theory to practice (pp. 47–67). Hove: Routledge.

  • Potter, J., & Wetherell, M. (1987). Discourse and social psychology. London: Sage.

  • Van Dijk, T (1993). Principles of critical discourse analysis. Discourse and Society, 4(2), 249–283.

  • Wetherell, M. (1998). Positioning and interpretative repertoires: Conversation analysis and post-structuralism in dialogue. Discourse and Society, 9, 387–412.

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O’Reilly, M., Lester, J.N. (2017). Language-Based Methodologies for Studying Mental Health. In: Examining Mental Health through Social Constructionism. The Language of Mental Health. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60095-6_8

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