Learning And Utilizing Wrap\u27s Framework: The Process Of Recovery For Serious Mental Illness

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate how adults with serious mental illness learn and utilize an illness self-management framework through a program called Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to pursue recovery. Methods: The study employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. The qualitative phase used an interpretive descriptive approach with thematic analysis. Data were collected from three focus groups, 10 in-depth interviews, and member checks to investigate how participants learn and utilize WRAP’s framework and to identify major facilitators and barriers. The quantitative phase used an anonymous online survey (N=82) to test qualitative findings about the degree to which problem-solving confidence and self-reflection and insight predict the degree of perceived recovery for WRAP users with serious mental illness. Results: Participants used WRAP to increase self-reflection and insight about their recovery needs and goals; to develop effective strategies to restore, maintain, and advance wellness; and to rebuild a positive outlook of themselves and their interactions with others, augmented by increased hope and empowerment about their abilities to successfully pursue recovery. Problem-solving and social support were identified as major facilitators and barriers to learning and using WRAP. Problem-solving confidence (p\u3c.001) and social support (p\u3c.001) were the main predictors of the degree of perceived recovery, and they may work in tandem to help people learn and use WRAP’s illness self management framework. Conclusions: WRAP appears consistent with a recovery-orientation, and WRAP users may benefit from additional group support that incorporates formal problem-solving strategies and ongoing, reciprocal peer and social support to assist in the adaptation and implementation of recovery strategies prospectively as problems, life circumstances, and recovery-oriented goals change