Community as Therapy: The Theory of Social Practice

Objective: Though the efficacy of the Clubhouse model's interventions and practices in supporting recovery from serious mental illness (SMI) have been demonstrated by prior research, the causal mechanisms and theory driving these outcomes have yet to be comprehensively defined. This theory article aims to synthesize existing knowledge of these methods to define a unified theory of social practice, outline its role in SMI recovery, and discuss future implications. Method: Historical, theoretical, and practical foundations of social practice were synthesized to define a current theory of social practice and expand the term to apply to the methods and interventions that define the Clubhouse model. Results: Based on prior theory and findings, we define social practice as the informed application of a specialized form of environmental therapy that utilizes an intentional community to assist people in their recovery. Key facets of social practice in the Clubhouse model of SMI recovery are discussed, including the efficacy of the practice in addressing SMI outcomes such as isolation and low self-efficacy, as well as its impact on both internal and external motivational forces. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: The theory of social practice describes a process of engaging people to become collaborators and contributors to a social environment. This article describes the philosophy and practices of Clubhouses and introduces the theory of social practice as an empirical means of unifying and communicating the methods, practices, and outcomes of both the Clubhouse model and the broader implications of intentional community as therapy.

Automated summary

The efficacy of the Clubhouse model's interventions in supporting recovery from serious mental illness has been demonstrated, but the underlying causal mechanisms and theory driving these outcomes have not yet been fully defined. This theory article aims to provide a unified theory of social practice by synthesizing existing knowledge and discussing its role in SMI recovery. Based on prior theory and findings, social practice is defined as the informed application of environmental therapy in an intentional community to assist people in their recovery. The article also highlights the impact of social practice on SMI outcomes and motivational forces.