Exploring the Recovery Phenomenon from Adolescents’ Perspective: A Qualitative Study

Personal recovery from mental illness differs from clinical recovery in that it focuses on fostering hope, purpose and a meaningful life regardless of the symptoms and challenges associated with the diagnosis. A number of frameworks have been developed to inform recovery-oriented practice based on the adult recovery experience. The applicability of the framework to distinct sub-populations, such as adolescents, who are at a different developmental stage, warrants more in-depth exploration. The present study aims to understand the recovery phenomenon from the perspectives of adolescents. Using a phenomenological approach, we interviewed nine adolescents accessing mental health services in a specialized mental health hospital in Canada. The majority (78%) of study participants were female. All participants except one accessed mental health services through inpatient care. Three overarching themes that facilitate recovery among adolescents were identified: enhancing identity, connection, and autonomy. There is little established theory about a recovery-oriented approach to which young people can relate in describing their recovery journeys. The present study fills this gap while also highlighting the voices of adolescents. These results can inform recovery-oriented practice guidelines for adolescents.