OBJECTIVE: Taking a qualitative approach, this study sought to describe consumer attitudes toward political participation and the association between political engagement and social recovery. METHODS: This study used data from seven focus groups of self-identified consumers of mental health services in the New York City area (N=52). Attitudes and behaviors related to voting and other forms of political engagement were identified and classified according to grounded theory, with a focus on the relationship between political engagement and broader social functioning, participation, and recovery. RESULTS: Participants described the symbolic meaning of voting and political participation in terms of connection to social inclusion versus exclusion. Participants described political participation as a component of empowerment for minority groups in general, including persons who use mental health services and those from racial-ethnic minority groups. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative studies of the symbolic meanings of political participation are an important component of understanding the broad yet interconnected dimensions of social recovery.
OBJECTIVE: Taking a qualitative approach, this study sought to describe consumer attitudes toward political participation and the association between political engagement and social recovery. METHODS: This study used data from seven focus groups of self-identified consumers of mental health services in the New York City area (N=52). Attitudes and behaviors related to voting and other forms of political engagement were identified and classified according to grounded theory, with a focus on the relationship between political engagement and broader social functioning, participation, and recovery. RESULTS:Participants described the symbolic meaning of voting and political participation in terms of connection to social inclusion versus exclusion. Participants described political participation as a component of empowerment for minority groups in general, including persons who use mental health services and those from racial-ethnic minority groups. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative studies of the symbolic meanings of political participation are an important component of understanding the broad yet interconnected dimensions of social recovery.
Authors: Adam C Alexander; Joseph J C Waring; Bishop Noble; David Bradley; Oluwakemi Olurotimi; Jack Fronheiser; Munjireen Sifat; Sarah J Ehlke; Laili Kharazi Boozary; Julia McQuoid; Darla E Kendzor Journal: J Racial Ethn Health Disparities Date: 2022-05-20
Authors: Enrico G Castillo; Bowen Chung; Elizabeth Bromley; Sheryl H Kataoka; Joel T Braslow; Susan M Essock; Alexander S Young; Jared M Greenberg; Jeanne Miranda; Lisa B Dixon; Kenneth B Wells Journal: Harv Rev Psychiatry Date: 2018 Mar/Apr Impact factor: 3.732