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

Abstract

Background: 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. Aim: To assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential clinical utility of participatory video as an innovative tool for promoting recovery in early psychosis. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.