The Billie project: A story completion study of young people’s views on citizenship for persons in mental health recovery

Abstract

This study explores young people’s perceptions of citizenship and recovery for individuals with severe mental health challenges using the story completion method. In this qualitative approach, participants were invited to complete an open-ended story stem about a fictional character, Billie, whose journey of recovery unfolds through their narratives. We analyzed 47 stories, with lengths ranging from 65 to 598 words (M = 253 words), applying both horizontal (thematic) and vertical (narrative progression) analyses. The findings reveal that participants often framed Billie’s recovery in terms of social roles—such as student, friend, or worker—emphasizing the fluctuating and relational nature of recovery. At the same time, the narratives also reflect societal expectations and implicit biases surrounding mental health and citizenship. Broader systemic factors, such as rights, resources, and societal responsibilities, were less frequently addressed. The results suggest that young people’s perspectives on mental health recovery are largely shaped by relational contexts but may lack a critical awareness of structural barriers to inclusive citizenship. This study underscores the potential of the story completion method as both a research tool and an educational intervention, fostering dialog on stigma, inclusion, and mental health recovery.