Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
From breaking point to potential transformation: temporal sequencing of mental health crisis. |
| Authors: |
Roennfeldt, Helena1 (AUTHOR) h.roennfeldt@unimelb.edu.au, Wyder, Marianne2 (AUTHOR), Roper, Cath1 (AUTHOR), Hill, Nicole3 (AUTHOR), Byrne, Louise4,5 (AUTHOR), Hamilton, Bridget Elizabeth1 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: |
International Journal of Mental Health. Apr2025, p1-16. 16p. 1 Illustration. |
| Subject Terms: |
*PSYCHOLOGICAL distress, *EYEWITNESS accounts, *LIMINALITY, *HOMEOSTASIS, *MENTAL health |
| Abstract: |
AbstractBackgroundMethodFindingsConclusionThe experience of crisis is characterized by acuity of emotional pain and distress, often requiring immediate support. Gerald Caplan previously described the stages of mental health crises as a loss and return of homeostasis. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored personal narratives of crisis to more deeply understand the temporal sequencing of crisis.Interviews with 31 people provided rich reflections on their experiences of crisis and interaction with crisis care, which were analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach.Findings identify a temporal sequence involving i) a preliminary phase of build-up and increasing intolerability, followed by ii) a liminal phase or breaking point and a provocation to action, and then afterwards, iii) a post-liminal phase of meaning-making and potential emergence. It was noted that findings mirror a similar pattern to Joseph Campbell’s A Hero’s Journey, and therefore, the analysis included a theoretical overlay as the findings from the study were compared against the traditional stages of crisis by Gerald Caplan and the storytelling pattern of Joseph Campbell. Notably, the potential for transformation was amplified when the crisis experience was responded to with understanding and compassion.From the study, a Hero’s Journey became an alternate window to view the role of crisis and recognize within crisis an alchemical space of liminality and possibility during periods of intense emotional instability. Ultimately, the storytelling pattern of A Hero’s Journey shapes the significance of the experience of a mental health crisis with greater verisimilitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|
Copyright of International Journal of Mental Health is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) |
| Database: |
Academic Search Complete |
