Narrative Medicine in Mental Health: Theoretical Foundations, Empirical Evidence and Applied Perspectives

Journal title RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA
Author/s Antonio Lasalvia, Luca Bodini, Rodolfo D’Agostini, Maria Micaela Coppola
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2026/1
Language Italian Pages 24 P. 25-48 File size 802 KB
DOI 10.3280/RSF2026-001003
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Objective. This paper examines the role of Narrative Medicine in mental health care, with a specific focus on its potential to address stigma related to mental disorders. The aim is to conceptualize narrative approaches as theoretical, clinical, and organizational tools capable of acting on identi-ty-related processes that underpin stigma and self-stigma. Methods. A theoretical-conceptual analysis was conducted, integrated with a narrative synthesis of relevant empirical evidence. The paper explores the epistemological foundations of Narrative Medicine, the relationship be-tween narration, identity, and mental suffering, and the main clinical and service-level applications of narrative approaches, with particular attention to the Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy (NECT) model. Results. Findings suggest that mental illness stigma can be understood as a narrative-identity phenomenon that shapes self-stories and constrains agency and future orientation. Structured narrative interventions such as NECT have shown effectiveness in reducing internalized stigma and support-ing identity reorganization. At the service level, peer support workers, re-covery narratives, and contact-based anti-stigma interventions contribute to transforming institutional narratives of mental illness. Conclusions. Narrative Medicine represents a key resource for recov-ery-oriented mental health care and stigma reduction. Embedding narrative practices within mental health services may foster changes not only in indi-vidual care pathways but also in professional cultures and organizational frameworks, promoting more inclusive and person-centered care systems.

Keywords: Narrative Medicine, Mental Health, Stigma, Narrative Iden-tity, Recovery, NECT.

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Antonio Lasalvia, Luca Bodini, Rodolfo D’Agostini, Maria Micaela Coppola, La Medicina Narrativa in salute mentale: fondamenti teorici, evidenze empiriche e declinazioni applicative in "RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA" 1/2026, pp 25-48, DOI: 10.3280/RSF2026-001003