An exploration of constructions of meanings narrated by a cohort of older people in relation to their mental illness, its connection to and impact on ageing and familial relationships

The genesis of this study came from a wish to contribute to the evidence base of systemic and narrative therapies with the cohort with whom I work clinically, that is elders suffering with mental health difficulties. Its subject matter and methodology were influenced by recognition of the paucity in the literature of both subjective experiences and narrative research studies with this client group. In this study nine elders with mental health problems narrated experience of mental health, their family relationships and ageing. Identification of themes around these three areas of interest were made and analysis of narrative variables such as influence of past, present, local and wider cultural narratives, narratives of time, coherence, performance of preferred narrative selves and influence of audience were made. Service implications for Narrative and Systemic therapy with elders and wider service planning were considered in light of findings. Throughout, reflexive consideration was made by the researcher and this is included, particularly in the conclusion, in the write up.