Experiences of fiction engagement in people with mental health problems

Section A

Section A is a critical appraisal and metasynthesis of nine qualitative studies exploring experiences of fiction engagement in adults living with mental health problems. Following quality appraisal, thematic synthesis identified three analytic themes - Seen and Connected, Escaping Distress and Growth and Exploration. Themes are explored in relation to related theory and existing literature. Limitations are considered, alongside clinical and research implications. The importance of further consideration of the role of representation of mental health problems within fiction, alongside exploration into how fiction engagement affects other age-groups is outlined.

Section B

Section B is an empirical paper developing a modified grounded theory of how young people with mental health problems experience and are affected by representative fiction. Following public advertisements, 14 individual interviews were conducted with nine young people on their experiences. The developed theoretical model suggests that representative fiction was experienced as a reflection on their reality, a process made up of two stages, identification with fiction and transferring beyond fiction. The effects of this process depend on personal context and the nature of fiction. Findings are discussed in relation to relevant theory and wellbeing outcomes, with study limitations and its implications considered.