Psychology graduates’ perception of recovery in mental health: a qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Globally, there has been a shift in how mental health care is provided toward recovery-oriented models that emphasize lived experiences and fluid definitions of recovery. Despite this, Singapore's undergraduate psychology education remains shaped mainly by Western texts. As psychology graduates are among future mental health practitioners, it is essential to understand how this impacts their perceptions of mental health issues. Hence, there is a need to explore psychology graduates’ perceptions and understanding of mental health and recovery in Singapore, and the sources of these views. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach. Participants recruited through social media posts underwent a semi-structured interview using an online meeting platform, guided by an interview guide developed by the research team. The interviews took place between September and October 2024. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim, and findings were generated using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. 20 participants (11 women, 9 men) aged 22 to 39 took part in this study. Four key themes emerged: roots of mental health perceptions, perception of mental health conditions, conceptualisation of recovery, and pathways to recovery. Our findings revealed that participants’ views on mental health and recovery were shaped by their formal education, Singaporean values, and personal and professional experiences. While largely aligned with clinical paradigms prioritising functional outcomes, participants’ views were also significantly influenced by cultural norms that prioritise achievement and self-sufficiency.