What’s citizenship got to do with mental health? Rationale for inclusion of citizenship as part of a mental health strategy
| Pages | 157-161 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-04-2019-0040 |
| Published date | 05 September 2019 |
| Date | 05 September 2019 |
| Author | Gillian MacIntyre,Nicola Ann Cogan,Ailsa Elizabeth Stewart,Neil Quinn,Michael Rowe,Maria O’Connell |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
What’s citizenship got to do with mental
health? Rationale for inclusion of
citizenship as part of a mental
health strategy
Gillian MacIntyre, Nicola Ann Cogan, Ailsa Elizabeth Stewart, Neil Quinn, Michael Rowe and
Maria O’Connell
Abstract
Purpose –People with lived experience of mental health problems (MHPs) are often marginalised and have
difficulty achieving community inclusion. Citizenship, a relatively novel concept in mental health, provides a
means of understanding what is necessary for marginalised individuals and groups to gain a sense of
belonging within their communities. By exploring the “what, why, how and who”of citizenship, the purpose of
this paper is to provide a rationale for the inclusion of citizenship as part of a person-centred and holistic
mental health strategy.
Design/methodology/approach –A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, with peer
researchers, was adopted to develop a model of citizenship within a Scottish context. The aim of the model is
to link the concept of citizenship with specific strategies that systems, agencies and individuals can use within
mental health policy and practice to promote greater inclusion and participation. Concept mapping was used
as part of a mixed-methods participatory methodology and data were then analysed using multivariate
statistical methods of multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis.
Findings –It is argued that using a CBPR approach, utilising concept mapping, encourages the
development of a model of citizenship that is entirely grounded in the perspectives and lived experiences of
people with MHPs. The need for adequate resources, preparatory work, training, research management and
reflexive practice are key to the success of a CBPR approach with peer researchers.
Originality/value –Working with peer researchers and key stakeholder groups is central to a CBPR
approach and the implementation of a model of citizenship within mental health policy and practice.
Developing a model of citizenship derived specifically from the experiences of people with lived experience is
likely to promote their inclusion. It provides a means of challenging the structural deficits and inequalities that
cause distress and prevent people with lived experience of MHPs of recovering their citizenship.
Keywords Citizenship, Recovery, Mental health, Community-based participatory research,
Community integration
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
In this paper, we explore the concept of citizenship and its potential application to the lived
experiences of people with mental health problems (MHPs). We argue that citizenship can help
frame people’s experiences of marginalisation and can offer strategies to support their social
inclusion. Through considering the “what, why, how and who”of citizenship, we provide a
rationale for including citizenship as part of a person-centred and holistic mental health strategy.
Set within a Scottish context and as part of the citizenship work package of the “Citizenship,
Recovery and Inclusive Society Partnership”funded by Horizon 2020 under the Marie
Sklodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange, the paper draws on research
Received 1 April 2019
Revised 1 April 2019
Accepted 2 April 2019
Gillian MacIntyre is based at the
School of Social Work and
Social Policy, University of
Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
Nicola Ann Cogan is based at
the Department of Psychology,
University of Strathclyde,
Glasgow, UK.
Ailsa Elizabeth Stewart is
based at the School of Social
Work and Social Policy,
University of Strathclyde,
Glasgow, UK.
Neil Quinn is based at the
University of Strathclyde,
Glasgow, UK.
Michael Rowe and Maria
O’Connell are both based at
the Department of Psychiatry,
Yale School of Medicine, New
Haven, Connecticut, USA.
DOI 10.1108/JPMH-04-2019-0040 VOL. 18 NO. 3 2019, pp. 157-161, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1746-5729
j
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTALHEALTH
j
PAG E 15 7
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