The Dynamic Catalysts Methodology: Journey mapping of people’s lived experience of turning points during mental health recovery

Background. Qualitative research on mental health recovery has led to a broad consensus of themes on recovery catalysts within specific groups, yet their methods are limited in identifying the nature, timing and delivery of scalable recovery-oriented practices.Aims. To co-design, pilot and establish the acceptability and feasibility of an interview schedule with a journey mapping component to identify and analyse the transdiagnostic factors that combine at self-identified turning points within each individual.Methods. Eleven participants currently reporting ‘living the life they want’ after a mental health crisis were recruited selectively to meet priority population quotas. Using a co-designed semi-structured interview schedule, two researchers mapped the recovery journey and facilitated development of a life chart, focusing on key turning points and using curious questions to identify external factors (dynamic catalysts) contributing to recovery.Results. Of those who expressed interest (n = 99), a subset completed screening (n = 20). The target number (n = 11) was recruited and interviewed within a two-month period. Participants valued the research process, and a preliminary codebook thematic analysis indicated that several catalysts reached consensus in this sample. Conclusions. The dynamic catalysts methodology is feasible and acceptable for further analysis and large-scale research.