What people with stress-related disorders experience as being supportive for recovery–a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
(2025) In International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being 20(1).- Abstract
Purpose: Prolonged stress leading to sick leave is a serious health problem, and it is crucial to find ways to support recovery. The aim of this review was to synthesize the results from qualitative research about what people with stress-related disorders experience as supportive for recovery. Methods: The systematic review was designed as a qualitative meta-synthesis following the recommendations by Walsh and Downe. Our search across PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo identified 20 articles that met the inclusion criteria. These articles were subsequently assessed for quality and analysed. Results: Three themes were identified that describe what people with stress-related disorders experience as supportive for recovery: ´Engaging and... (More)
Purpose: Prolonged stress leading to sick leave is a serious health problem, and it is crucial to find ways to support recovery. The aim of this review was to synthesize the results from qualitative research about what people with stress-related disorders experience as supportive for recovery. Methods: The systematic review was designed as a qualitative meta-synthesis following the recommendations by Walsh and Downe. Our search across PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo identified 20 articles that met the inclusion criteria. These articles were subsequently assessed for quality and analysed. Results: Three themes were identified that describe what people with stress-related disorders experience as supportive for recovery: ´Engaging and authentic atmospheres—an essentiality for recovery`, ´Pursuing an empowered and hopeful self`, and ´Embracing the continuous demanding quest for personal growth`. Recovery from stress-related disorders can be supported by giving each person the opportunity to grow and pursue an empowered and hopeful self. This requires time and support in an engaging and authentic atmosphere. Having the possibility for existential reflection, learning and exploring through various activities is important. Conclusion: Our findings show the importance of formal support that patiently stimulates existential reflection and learning in a non-demanding environment. Implementing activities in clinical practice that stimulate such a process, and which can be adapted to each person’s needs and preferences could be beneficial.
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- author
- Tuvesson, Hanna ; Gunnarsson, A. Birgitta ; Sjösten, Markus ; Carlsson, Viktor ; Holmberg, Sara LU ; Wagman, Petra ; Fagerström, Cecilia and Hörberg, Ulrica
- organization
- publishing date
- 2025
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- Burnout, exhaustion, interviews, meta-synthesis, qualitative methods, remission, sick-leave
- in
- International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being
- volume
- 20
- issue
- 1
- article number
- 2516915
- publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- external identifiers
-
- scopus:105008008326
- pmid:40504595
- ISSN
- 1748-2623
- DOI
- 10.1080/17482631.2025.2516915
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- 73a55097-4cbc-435e-ad0d-07e4fa99683e
- date added to LUP
- 2026-01-20 17:34:34
- date last changed
- 2026-02-03 18:48:58
@article{73a55097-4cbc-435e-ad0d-07e4fa99683e,
abstract = {{<p>Purpose: Prolonged stress leading to sick leave is a serious health problem, and it is crucial to find ways to support recovery. The aim of this review was to synthesize the results from qualitative research about what people with stress-related disorders experience as supportive for recovery. Methods: The systematic review was designed as a qualitative meta-synthesis following the recommendations by Walsh and Downe. Our search across PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo identified 20 articles that met the inclusion criteria. These articles were subsequently assessed for quality and analysed. Results: Three themes were identified that describe what people with stress-related disorders experience as supportive for recovery: ´Engaging and authentic atmospheres—an essentiality for recovery`, ´Pursuing an empowered and hopeful self`, and ´Embracing the continuous demanding quest for personal growth`. Recovery from stress-related disorders can be supported by giving each person the opportunity to grow and pursue an empowered and hopeful self. This requires time and support in an engaging and authentic atmosphere. Having the possibility for existential reflection, learning and exploring through various activities is important. Conclusion: Our findings show the importance of formal support that patiently stimulates existential reflection and learning in a non-demanding environment. Implementing activities in clinical practice that stimulate such a process, and which can be adapted to each person’s needs and preferences could be beneficial.</p>}},
author = {{Tuvesson, Hanna and Gunnarsson, A. Birgitta and Sjösten, Markus and Carlsson, Viktor and Holmberg, Sara and Wagman, Petra and Fagerström, Cecilia and Hörberg, Ulrica}},
issn = {{1748-2623}},
keywords = {{Burnout; exhaustion; interviews; meta-synthesis; qualitative methods; remission; sick-leave}},
language = {{eng}},
number = {{1}},
publisher = {{Taylor & Francis}},
series = {{International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being}},
title = {{What people with stress-related disorders experience as being supportive for recovery–a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2025.2516915}},
doi = {{10.1080/17482631.2025.2516915}},
volume = {{20}},
year = {{2025}},
}