Communal invalidation of young adults with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues. Issue 6 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Semb, Randi; Tjora, Aksel; Borg, Marit
• Is Part Of: Disability & society. Volume 34:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 926
• Page End: 944
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Belonging -- community -- social model -- substance abuse -- mental health -- in-depth interviews; People with disabilities -- Periodicals; People with disabilities -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Special education -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 362.4
• DOI: 10.1080/09687599.2019.1584089
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-7599

Abstract

Abstract: This study explores how young adults with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues experience the challenges of belonging to their local communities. The data were generated through qualitative in-depth interviews with seven young adult service users, six of whom were interviewed twice. The qualitative data analysis resulted in three overarching themes: the need to accept one's own life and the structures surrounding it; being caught between conflicting social worlds; and moral fumbling in choices and actions. Using an empirical study, we suggest that a process of 'communal invalidation' operates through which young adults in the community are socially defined as inadequate. This invalidation serves as a formidable barrier to their recovery.