Recovery: a Dimensional Approach

Various definitions, dimensions, and components of recovery have been posited. Building on existing work, the authors propose five superordinate dimensions of recovery: clinical recovery, experiencing improvements in symptoms; existential recovery, having a sense of hope, empowerment, agency, and spiritual well-being; functional recovery, obtaining and maintaining valued societal roles and responsibilities, including employment, education, and stable housing; physical recovery, pursuing better health and a healthy lifestyle; and social recovery, experiencing enhanced and meaningful relationships and integration with family, friends, and the wider community. The model also identifies lay, professional, and systemic resources that promote each recovery dimension.