Affiliations: epartment of Health Sciences, Division of Occupational
Therapy and Gerontology, Lund University, Sweden | The Vårdal Institute, Lund University, Sweden | Malmö University, Faculty of Health and Society, Sweden
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Christel Leufstadius, M.SC., O. T.
reg., Department of Health Science, Division of Occupational Therapy and
Gerontology, P.O. Box 157, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden. Tel.: +46 46 2221814; Fax:
+46 46 2221959; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate how people with
persistent mental illness, with various types of work and employment
conditions, experience and describe the meaningfulness of work. The study had a
qualitative approach and twelve informants living in the community were
purposefully selected and interviewed according to overarching themes. The
interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis, and all of the
authors were involved in the analysis process. The findings resulted in four
main themes: 1) work per se has certain characteristics, 2) participation in
different contexts gives a feeling of normality, acceptance, belonging and
fulfilment of norms and values, 3) work affords structure, energy and a
balanced daily life, and 4) work increases well-being and strengthens one's
identity. A tentative model is described concerning perceived meaningfulness in
work among individuals with persistent mental illness, in which the first three
aspects of meaning are a prerequisite for meaning in terms of increased
well-being and strengthened identity. Furthermore, it seems important that work
has to bring the just right challenge to the individual in order for him or her
to perceive the identified aspects of meaningfulness.
