Qualitative Research Methods in Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Abstract This paper will provide an overview of the qualitative research methods that have recently been applied in psychiatric rehabilitation. An introduction to the philosophical traditions, out of which qualitative research has been developed, is followed by a brief introduction to the major methodologies. Care will be taken to refer to the relevant texts, which will provide more detail about the practicalities of conducting such research. The principal areas where such methodologies may be appropriate will be described, which will include both understanding the nature of people with long-term mental health difficulties and evaluations of the service. The use of these methodologies in assessing the views and experiences of service users will be emphasized throughout. Finally, a number of specific studies that have used qualitative methods in the field of rehabilitation will be described briefly in order to provide the reader with working examples.