WRAP® New Member of the National Registry of Evidence Based Training Programs

Initial Outcomes of a Mental Illness

Self-Management Program Based on

Wellness Recovery Action Planning®

Introduction

“Although the concept of recovery from mental illness is relatively new, the fact that significantly proportions of people with psychiatric disabilities can successfully self-manage their conditions has been documented for more than two decades (1).  Some common self-management strategies for psychiatric disorders include writing down or talking about problems; speaking with or visiting friends; exercising; engaging in meditation, artistic endeavors, or political activism; practicing good nutrition; and self-advocacy (2).”

The study reported here examined changes in measures of recovery and other psychosocial outcomes among participants in a peer-led, self-management engagement called Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP®).  Unlike many traditional mental health engagements, WRAP® is intended to help people manage a variety of long-term illnesses, whether or not they choose to receive formal services.  In fact, WRAP® educators are taught to avoid talking directly about psychiatric diagnoses or using medical or illness-oriented language to frame peoples’ needs (2).  Instead, WRAP® emphasizes holistic health, wellness, strengths, and social support.  WRAP® encourages people to move beyond simply managing symptoms to building a meaningful life in the community by using a highly individualized plan for wellness and recovery.  Instructional techniques promote peer modeling by using personal examples from facilitators’ and participants own lives to illustrate key concepts of self-management, allowing participants to witness the lived benefits of WRAP®.

Results

Significant increases were observed in the scores for overall recovery, indicating improvement,, and all of the five subscales showed improvement:  (1) personal confidence, (2) willingness to ask for help, (3) goal orientation, (4) reliance on others, and (5) freedom from symptom(s) domination.  Significant increases were found in participants’ feelings of hopefulness, and scores on the consumer self-advocacy scale indicated improvement, as well as self-perceived physical health. 

Conclusion

WRAP® is now being offered across the country, with formal and informal WRAP® initiatives ongoing in all 50 states and U.S. territories. The field of psychiatric stands to benefit from such research, and individuals who participate in WRAP® will have an opportunity to experience enhanced autonomy and greater self-determination.  Clearly, WRAP® has the potential in having positive effects on mental health wellness and multiple behavioral changes.

References

1. Onken S, Craig C, Ridgway P, et al: An analysis of the definitions and elements of recovery: a review of the literature. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal 31:9-22, 2007
2. Copeland, ME: Wellness Recovery Action Plan: a system for monitoring, reducing and eliminating uncomfortable or dangerous physical symptoms and emotional feelings. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health 17:127-150, 2005