Person-centred phenomenology: service user experiences of exercise
| Date | 10 April 2017 |
| Pages | 119-126 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-01-2017-0001 |
| Published date | 10 April 2017 |
| Author | Luke Pickard,Alison Rodriguez,Kiara Lewis |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion |
Person-centred phenomenology: service
user experiences of exercise
Luke Pickard, Alison Rodriguez and Kiara Lewis
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to explore the lived experience of sport and exercise amongst a
group of mental health service users. Participants were recruited from a north of England NHS mental health
trust that was piloting a sport and exercise intervention for adults with mental health needs.
Design/methodology/approach –In depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with five mental
health service users. The chosen phenomenological methodology was collaborative and interpretive.
Findings –Two essential themes were highlighted: “Intermittent health breaking through heavy clouds
of illness”and “The cycle of recovery”. In addition, this person-centred research identified a number of
intervention benefits beyond those relating to the impact of physical activity on mental health and wellbeing.
The main findings are expressed using visual imagery which participants found expressed their perceptions
and experiences better than written prose. This includes the way day-to-day illness impacts on the journey of
health for people with mental health problems.
Research limitations/implications –The intervention looked to help the transition between leaving mental
health services and developing a regular routine to promote recovery. The study illuminates the voices of
service users and identifies that sport and exercise for mental health service users can be beneficial for
recovery and feelings of belonging which can strengthen perceptions of the self.
Originality/value –Few studies have approached this methodological approach. This study demonstrates
the value of phenomenological research with a collaborative, person-centred or indeed an involved patient
focus. This collaborative approach enabled a shared understanding of the phenomena.
Keywords Mental health, Phenomenology, Collaborative, Physical activity, Qualitative, Person-centred
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The perceived benefits of exercise in the general population has been explored from a range of
epistemologica l positions. From a phy siological and neur ochemical viewpo int, the endorphin
hypothesis states vigorous exercise correlates with an increase in endorphin levels associated
with mood elevation, anti-depressant qualities and improved cognitive abilities
(Deslandes et al., 2009). These benefits have encouraged health professionals to try and
implement exerc ise in clinical set tings. Within menta l health populat ions regular exerc ise can
lead to greater life satisfaction, happiness, wellbeing and preventative resilience to mental
illness (Duda et al., 2014).
From a psychosocial perspective many positive effects of physical activity have been shown in
clinical populations. Positive correlations have been found between physical activity, increased
self-esteem, self-efficacy, cognitive functioning and psychological wellbeing (Barton et al., 2012).
Furthermore stress and anxiety can be reduced in a single exercise session and exercisers have
higher self-esteem levels than non-exercisers.
Qualitative narrative research conducted by Carless and Douglas (2008) noted that mental health
recovery is not just about alleviating symptoms, it is about rebuilding the self, social identity and a
sense of hopefulness for the future. Exercise can deliver a sense of meaning, purpose and
optimism. Hodgson et al. (2011) interviewed mental health service users from an exercise
scheme and found that feelings of achievement resulted purely through regular attendance.
Luke Pickard is based at the
School of Social and Health
Sciences, Leeds Trinity
University, Leeds, UK.
Alison Rodriguez is based at
the School of Healthcare,
University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Kiara Lewis is the Head of
Division of Health and
Wellbeing, University of
Huddersfield,
Huddersfield, UK.
DOI 10.1108/MHSI-01-2017-0001 VOL. 21 NO. 2 2017, pp. 119-126, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308
j
MENTALHEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
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PAG E 11 9
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