Narratives of experts by experience: the impact of delivering training in partnership on the subject of personality disorder

Abstract

Purpose – As part of an attitudinal shift surrounding personality disorder stigma, a training package termed the Knowledge and Understanding Framework (KUF) is delivered in collaboration between experts by experience (EBE) and professionals. The purpose of this paper is to explore the narratives of EBE delivering KUF; in particular the impact of this role and its varying contexts. Design/methodology/approach – Eight women took part in the study and a narrative analysis explored their stories. Findings – The analysis suggested five temporal chapters: first, life before becoming involved: “Like being in a milk bottle screaming”; second, a turning point: “It wasn’t actually me that was disordered it was the life that I’d had”; third, taking up the trainer role: “It all just […] took off”; fourth, the emergence of a professional identity: “I am no longer a service user”; and fifth, impact on self, impact on others. Originality/value – The use of qualitative literature is sparse within co-production research. The study therefore adds value in exploring in-depth experiences of the phenomena.