12 Conclusion: Generating a Robust Science of Applied Recovery Capital

Best, David and Klein, Maike and Hodgson, Phil (2025) 12 Conclusion: Generating a Robust Science of Applied Recovery Capital. In: The Handbook of Recovery Capital :. Bristol University Press, Bristol, pp. 231-239. ISBN 9781529240306

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is twofold – the first is a synthesis to draw together some of the key emerging themes from the 11 substantive chapters included and to identify both common grounds and areas of dispute and contention. The second aim is to discuss future directions and areas for development in terms of both empirical work (research and implementation) and conceptual enhancement. There was general agreement, based on the success of early implementation, about the need for wider application and dissemination to other areas, while recognizing the need for improving both measurement and underlying theory. Much more contentious were questions about the dimensionality of the recovery capital concept and how to make sense of cultural factors in measurement and modelling. There was much more debate about how recovery capital should be measured (particularly around the use of self-complete questionnaires), what kinds of things should be counted (attitudes and beliefs or behaviours), and how much the science and measurement should be embedded in coproduced and designed measures. The chapter concludes with some discussion of next steps.