Exploration of the occupations of people with schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
Participation in occupations is a powerful determinant of wellbeing. This study focusses on obtaining a greater understanding of the occupational experiences of people with schizophrenia and the factors that facilitate or hinder occupational engagement.


METHODS
Six participants with schizophrenia living in an Australian urban community who were clients of an assertive outreach team formed the sample.


METHODS
Data gathered via semi-structured interviews and observation were thematically analysed.


RESULTS
The findings are reported in three main themes: struggling to survive in the present, enabling and constraining factors in the living environment and the importance and value of work.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings provide further evidence for occupational therapists working with consumers of mental health services to adopt practices that enable self-determination of participation in occupations, increase supports and resources within the community environment and expand opportunities for work.
Urlic
Karen
K
Eastern Health Mental Health Program, Box Hill, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia. karen.urlic@easternhealth.org.au
Lentin
Primrose
P
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D016832:Employment, Supported / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D019370:Observation; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D009790:Occupations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D014504:Urban Health