Concept mapping in mental health: uses and adaptations

Concept mapping is a structured method for translating complex qualitative data into a pictorial form that displays the interrelationships among ideas. Over the past ten years, this methodology has been applied to numerous program planning and program evaluation issues in a variety of disciplines. The ability to adapt concept mapping methodology to meet specialized needs and to accommodate external constraints has been demonstrated during this period. This paper describes the use of concept mapping in the field of community mental health. Investigators have used concept mapping for purposes ranging from mental health needs assessment to studying program models and theory. Adaptations to the methodology have been applied to the ways in which the qualitative data are generated, structured, represented, and interpreted. Examples from the mental health literature are presented to illustrate these purposes and adaptations. The contributions and value of concept mapping to the mental health field are discussed.