Mental Health as perceived by Persons with Mental Disorders : An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study

• In this interpretative phenomenological analysis study, we explored how persons with mental disorders perceive mental health. Adapting a salutogenic theoretical framework, 12 former inpatients were interviewed. The analysis revealed experiences of mental health as a movement, like walking up and down a staircase. Perceived mental health is expressed both verbally in an everyday language and through body language. Mental health is an aspect of being that is always present and which is nourished by four domains of life: the emotional; physical; social and spiritual domains. Mental health is experienced in everyday life as a sense of energy, and as more or less wellbeing. Exploring persons' meanings of mental health from a subjective perspective can extend the knowledge base that can be used in mental health promotion strategies.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Folkhälsovetenskap, global hälsa, socialmedicin och epidemiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

mental health

IPA

Folkhälsovetenskap

Public health science

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)