ABSTRACT

People working within mental health organisations or systems but not in dedicated lived experience roles might still make contributions as allies to mental health consumer movements. The current study explores the motivations of such allies, specifically in relation to collaborations with consumers and targeting systemic change when providing support. Semi-structured interviews were held with 11 participants identified as allies to consumer movements. Interview data were examined using a synthesis of inductive and deductive thematic analysis. The findings indicated the motivations of allies could be understood in relation to three themes: social justice values, witnessing support for consumers, and perceptions of valuable consumer contributions. Participants discussed no single primary motive, instead reporting a combination. The motives identified have implications for allies’ involvement in and mobilisation with consumer movements. Allies using their power and influence to make opportunities for consumer empowerment might improve mental health policy, services, and academia.

摘要

在精神卫生组织或系统中工作但没有专门从事生活体验工作的人可能仍然作为精神卫生消费者运动的盟友做出贡献。当前的研究探讨了这些盟友的动机，特别是与消费者合作以及在提供支持时针对系统性变革的动机。对 11 名被确定为消费者运动盟友的参与者进行了半结构化访谈。使用归纳和演绎主题分析的综合检查访谈数据。调查结果表明，可以从三个主题中理解盟友的动机：社会正义价值观、见证对消费者的支持以及对有价值的消费者贡献的看法。参与者没有讨论单一的主要动机，而是报告了一个组合。确定的动机对盟友参与和动员消费者运动有影响。盟友利用他们的权力和影响力为消费者赋权创造机会，可能会改善心理健康政策、服务和学术界。