Friendship theory for public health research and practice: a critical realist review
Abstract
AIMS: To critically analyse theories of friendship through privileging research on the experience of friendship among those who have experienced mental ill-health. To inform public health approaches that aim to facilitate friendship and assist those experiencing mental ill-health. METHOD: A selective, iterative, purposive review of theoretical and empirical studies, within a critical realist epistemology, is undertaken to provide an analysis. RESULTS: Existing theories - exchange and equity, capital, identity, and attachment - all provide some insight into friendship when encountering mental ill-health. However, recognition theory is found to best capture and explain the experience. CONCLUSION: Recognition theory forms a substantial theoretical foundation for public health initiatives that address friendship and mental ill-health. Friendship can contribute to public mental health, and suggestions are made to give friendship itself recognition within public health frameworks.
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Date
2023
Type
Article
Subject
Mental health
Citation
Doran, D. & Edgley, A. (2023). Friendship theory for public health research and practice: a critical realist review. Perspectives in Public Health, DOI: 10.1177/17579139231157524.