Henry, Natalie; (2025) My Story and Me: A Narrative Study of Care-Experienced Individuals’ Stories of Identity, Mental Health and Associated Support. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

AIMS: This systematic review synthesised qualitative evidence on how careexperienced individuals, carers and professionals understand the factors that support wellbeing, mental health and recovery following experiences of trauma and state care. The review aimed to move beyond deficit-based narratives by exploring relational, identity-based, and systemic contributors to 'living well', using a broad, subjective definition of wellbeing. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines (Page et al., 2021), five electronic databases were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed qualitative or mixed-methods studies published from 2015 onwards. Studies were eligible if conducted in Western Europe and focusing on perspectives of care-experienced individuals (aged 0-35), carers, or professionals. The review used the PPICoS framework for selection and the CASP checklist for quality appraisal (CASP, 2022). Data were synthesised using a narrative approach, guided by thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke., 2006), focusing on authors’ interpretations of qualitative findings. RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 3,737 participants were included. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) social support and relationships, highlighting the importance of emotional safety, identity aMirmation and continuity; (2) a secure home environment, emphasising the importance of home-like placements, physical and emotional safety, and agency in decision-making; and (3) and pathways to living well, which captured meaning-making, community belonging, identity formation and future aspirations. Notably, care-experienced individuals prioritised emotional and identitybased needs, while professionals often focused on practical stability, highlighting a key diMerence in perspectives. CONCLUSION: Wellbeing for care-experienced individuals is a multi-dimensional process shaped by relationships, stability, identity development and resilience. Wellbeing is not defined by the absence of adversity, but by the presence of connection, safety, meaning, and agency. These findings underscore the need for relational, participatory, and identity-aMirming approaches across services and systems. Meaningful support requires emotionally attuned practice, policy frameworks that prioritise continuity and stability, and research that centres the voices of those with lived experience.

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