Participatory video as a novel recovery-oriented intervention in early psychosis: A pilot study.

Abstract

Personal narrative plays an important role in the process of recovery from psychotic illnesses. Participatory video is a novel, active intervention that can be used as a tool for fostering narrative development among people with psychosis. To assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential clinical utility of participatory video as an innovative tool for promoting recovery in early psychosis. Ten outpatients of an early psychosis intervention programme were recruited to participate in 13 biweekly workshops to plan, film and produce documentary-style videos of their experiences. Feasibility was measured through recruitment and retention. Acceptability was measured through workshop attendance and client satisfaction. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, post intervention and 3 months post intervention. The participatory video intervention was feasible and associated with a high degree of satisfaction for participants who completed the workshops (n = 6). At 3-month follow-up, participants exhibited significant reductions (p < .05) in tension, self-stigma and negative perceptions of hoped-for selves. The findings of this pilot study suggest that participatory video is feasible and acceptable for individuals with early psychosis. This study also provides important pilot data supporting a larger trial investigating the effectiveness of participatory video as a recovery-oriented intervention.