The experience of recovery from schizophrenia: towards an empirically validated stage model Retta Andresen, Lindsay Oades, Peter Caputi Objective: The consumer movement is advocating that rehabilitation services become recovery-orientated. The objectives of this study are to gain a better understanding of the concept of recovery by: (i) identifying a definition of recovery that reflects consumer accounts; and (ii) developing a conceptual model of recovery to guide research, training and inform clinical practice. Method: A review was conducted of published experiential accounts of recovery by people with schizophrenia or other serious mental illness, consumer articles on the concept of recovery, and qualitative research and theoretical literature on recovery. Meanings of recovery used by consumers were sought to identify a definition of recovery. Common themes identified in this literature were used to construct a conceptual model reflecting the personal experiences of consumers. Results: The definition of recovery used by consumers was identified as psychological recovery from the consequences of the illness. Four key processes of recovery were identified: (i) finding hope; (ii) re-establishment of identity; (iii) finding meaning in life; and (iv) taking responsibility for recovery. Five stages were identified: (i) moratorium; (ii) aware- ness; (iii) preparation; (iv) rebuilding; and (v) growth. Conclusion: A five-stage model compatible with psychological recovery is proposed, which offers a way forward for attaining recovery-orientated outcomes. After further empirical investigation, a version of this model could be utilized in quantitative research, clinical training and consumer education. Key words: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 2003; 37:586–594 mental disorders, outcomes, recovery, rehabilitation, schizophrenia. The belief that rehabilitation services should be recovery-orientated is now gaining wide acceptance. The concept of recovery started gaining momentum in the 1980s when consumers began publishing accounts of their recovery from serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Many people felt that when they received their diagnosis they were given a ‘prognosis of doom’ [1], which denied all hope of recovery or even a satisfying life. However, many managed to overcome the problems imposed by the illness and went on to enjoy a full life. Since then, the consumer movement has been working towards breaking down the notion that schizophrenia necessarily has a long-term deteriorating course. This idea is supported on a number of fronts. The traditionally pessimistic view of the course of schizophrenia has been blamed on diagnostic classifica- tion systems that are seen as confounding the prognosis with the diagnosis [2]. Disorders that are the same as schizophrenia in every respect are diagnosed differently if the person improves; the classification of schizo- phrenia excludes people who recover [3]. Contributing to the negative attitude is the ‘clinician’s illusion’. Clinicians Retta Andresen, PhD candidate (Correspondence); Lindsay Oades, Lecturer; Peter Caputi, Lecturer Department of Psychology, University of Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia. Email: mja02@uow.edu.au Received 10 December 2002; revised 2 May 2003; accepted 5 June 2003.