Using intervention mapping to develop a mental health intervention based on recovery narratives

BackgroundPeople with severe mental health problems often struggle with low self-efficacy, hopelessness, and self-stigmatization, making recovery challenging. Recovery narratives (RNs) could foster connectedness, hope, and guidance when they feature certain active ingredients, identified in previous research. However, interventions offering RNs including these active ingredients are lacking.AimsThis study aimed to develop and implement an RN-based intervention to enhance personal recovery among adults in specialist mental health services. A secondary aim was to identify potential outcomes for a pilot randomized controlled trial.MethodsFollowing Bartholomew’s Intervention Mapping protocol, we conducted a literature review and four stakeholder focus groups to explore needs and inform intervention design.ResultsThe digital module STORY MINE was developed and integrated into the online client portal ‘Minddistrict’ at a major Dutch mental health facility. It offers twelve hopeful RNs in three modalities: video podcast, audio, and text. Hypothesized outcomes include improved mental health confidence (primary outcome) and enhanced hope, reduced self-stigma, and better personal recovery (secondary outcomes). ConclusionOur study pioneers a targeted, evidence-based approach by purposively collecting recovery narratives that include identified active ingredients to develop a RN based intervention called STORY MINE. A pilot randomized controlled trial will assess its feasibility and effectiveness using quantitative and qualitative measures.