Patient narratives: understanding 'recovery' and social bonding theory in a forensic mental health hospital

For persons living with mental illness, recovery is a complex process in which individuals learn to overcome and manage their symptoms and strive to live productive and fulfilling lives. However, in a forensic mental health hospital, inpatients face the added challenge of also recovering from the impact of their index offences and coping in an often harsh environment. The literature on recovery emphasizes the importance of social connections and positive role models in developing and supporting normative behaviour. Hirschi’s (1969) social bonding theory posits that an individual’s attachment to parents and peers, commitment to conventional activities, involvement in conventional activities, and belief in social norms are key contributors to normative social behaviour. This study examined qualitative data collected in semi-structured interviews with 30 individuals receiving forensic mental health inpatient services in order to understand their perspectives and experiences with recovery.