The study uses a mixed methods design to determine efficacy and underlying mechanisms contributing to the effect of the STAIRS-training. One hundred forty adults, who are in the last phase of their depression treatment, will be enrolled and randomized (1:1) to (1) a group receiving the STAIRS-training next to Care as Usual (CAU) or (2) a group receiving CAU added with three information letters. Level of personal recovery, symptom severity, empowerment and control will be determined at baseline, at the end of the program (8 weeks) and at 6 months follow up. Approximately fifteen participants from the STAIRS group will be asked about their experiences with the different elements of the program and the perceived effects, in a semi-structured interview at the end of the program.
Almost all mental healthcare treatments of depression focus on symptomatic recovery. However, such recovery does not inherently mean that personal recovery is reached. In fact, many persons still experience functional impairments after symptomatic recovery. As this has a negative influence on daily life, a new blended module (STAIRS) was developed to promote personal recovery in persons that are in the final stage of symptomatic recovery from depression. The current study will investigate the efficacy of STAIRS, by adding STAIRS to care as usual and comparing it with care as usual. It is hypothesized that STAIRS will have a positive effect on personal recovery and that this effect is larger than in the control group.