Health-enhancing effects of engaging in productive occupation: experiences of young people with mental illness

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.