%0 Journal Article
%T Social prescribing for individuals with mental health problems: An ethnographic study exploring the mechanisms of action through which community groups support psychosocial well-being.
%A Aughterson H
%A Fancourt D
%A Chatterjee H
%A Burton A
%J Wellcome Open Res
%V 9
%N 0
%D 2024
%M 38952567
暂无%R 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.20981.1
%X <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Social prescribing involves connecting individuals to community groups and activities, often to support their mental health and well-being. It has received increasing support in recent years across the NHS. There is a strong evidence base for the benefits of different types of community activities, including exercise groups, arts groups and nature interventions, on mental health outcomes, however, less is known about how these groups impact mental health and well-being. This study explores through what individual-level mechanisms (the 'how') these groups support psychosocial well-being.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>An ethnographic study was conducted over 12-months to explore key shared, individual-level mechanisms across 4 social prescribing community groups: football, singing, gardening and reading. This study focused mostly on those with severe mental illness, whereas previously most social prescribing studies have focused on mild to moderate mental health problems. To frame the findings, a 'multi-level theoretical framework of mechanisms of action' of leisure activities was used.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Key shared psychological mechanisms were: increased self-confidence and self-esteem, increased purpose/meaning, increased sense of achievement, experience of pleasure; social mechanisms included: increased social support, formation of friendships and reduced loneliness, enhanced sense of community and belonging; behavioural mechanisms were: increased independence and openness to experience, reduction in addictive behaviours and building healthier habits, increased work-seeking behaviour, and provision of structure & routine.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>It is hoped that the findings of this study can help referring professionals increase their understanding of exactly how such groups support individuals' mental health, thus enhancing referring practices.<BR>This study uses ethnographic methods, wherein the lead researcher spent over a year participating in 4 different community groups, using interviews, conversations and observation to explore the mental health impact of such groups on individuals' lives. The participants had moderate to severe mental health conditions, and the groups consisted of a reading, gardening, singing and football group. The study explored 'mechanisms' underlying the mental health benefits of these groups. Key shared psychological mechanisms were: increased self-confidence and self-esteem, increased purpose/meaning, increased sense of achievement, experience of pleasure; social mechanisms included: increased social support, formation of friendships and reduced loneliness, enhanced sense of community and belonging; behavioural mechanisms were: increased independence and openness to experience, reduction in addictive behaviours and building healthier habits, increased work-seeking behaviour, and provision of structure & routine. It is hoped that the findings of this study can help referring professionals (e.g. GPs, social workers, link workers) increase their understanding of exactly how such groups support individuals’ mental health, thus improving referring skills.