Abstract
Background/aim: This paper investigates the relationship between productive occupation and mental wellbeing for young people with a mental illness. In doing so, it aims to increase understandings of applying occupation therapeutically.Methods: Four young people who experienced mental illness were interviewed about their engagement in productive occupations. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Transcripts were analysed and categorised into four themes.Findings: The participants found that: the obligatory nature of productive occupations encouraged engagement in occupation; responsibility gained from work or study helped develop a positive sense of self; accomplishments achieved through engaging in productive occupations enhanced self worth; and engaging in productive occupations helped foster hope.Conclusion: Engaging in productive occupations is found to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of participants, and thus accentuates that meaningful productive occupations can be a valuable aspect to occupational therapy practice.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 285-293 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Australian Occupational Therapy Journal |
Volume | 54 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2007 |