Theoretical model of recovery following a suicidal episode (COURAGE): scoping review and narrative synthesis
Yosef Sokol,
Chynna Levin,
Mairav Linzer,
Chayim Rosensweig,
Shifra Hubner,
Molly Gromatsky,
Samantha Walsh,
Lisa Dixon,
Marianne Goodman
Affiliations
Yosef Sokol
Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Touro University, New York, New York, USA; and VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; and Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
Mairav Linzer
VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; and School of Health Professions and Nursing, Long Island University, New York, New York, USA
VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; and Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York, New York, USA
Shifra Hubner
VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; and School of Health Sciences, Touro College, New York, New York, USA
VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; and Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
Samantha Walsh
Levy Library, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
Lisa Dixon
New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA; Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University/New York-Presbyterian, New York, New York, USA
Marianne Goodman
VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; and Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
Background Despite a significant need, there are currently no rigorously developed empirically based models for what personal recovery from a suicidal episode looks like. Aims To develop a theoretical model of personal recovery after a suicidal episode, based on a comprehensive literature review and stakeholder feedback. Method A scoping review of all empirical studies on this topic was conducted, followed by a thematic analysis to create a preliminary framework. Consultation-based revisions were then made based on feedback from a stakeholder panel to develop the final theoretical model. Results The final model comprised seven themes: choosing life, optimising identity, understanding oneself, rediscovering meaning, acceptance, growing connectedness and empowerment (acronym ‘COURAGE’). Although there are some similarities between COURAGE and other models of personal recovery, there are components, such as ‘choosing life’ and ‘understanding oneself’, that are specific to recovery after an acute suicidal episode. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to use a comprehensive literature review with stakeholder feedback to develop a conceptual model of personal recovery after an acute suicidal episode. This model has important implications for both researchers and clinicians to consider. Looking ahead, COURAGE can inform the reconceptualisation of assessment, research and clinical care of individuals who have experienced a suicidal episode.
