title: A phenomenological study of occupational engagement in recovery from mental illness.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recovery from mental illness has been described as a process involving personal growth and a search for meaning. Occupation is a primary medium for human development as well as the creation of life meaning, suggesting the exploration of recovery from an occupational perspective is warranted.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore the experience and meaning of occupation for 713 people who self-identified as being in recovery from mental illness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Recovery narratives were collected from participants in conversational interviews that were recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were analysed using hermeneutic phenomenology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A range of experiences were evident in the recovery narratives, from complete disengagement to full engagement in occupations. Insights into the experience and meaning of different states of occupation were revealed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All forms of occupational engagement, including disengagement, can be meaningful in the recovery process. Increased understanding of different modes of occupational engagement will assist therapists to support recovery more effectively.
authors: Department of Occupational Science and Therapy, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. daniel.sutton@aut.ac.nz
authors: Daniel J
authors: DJ
authors: Sutton
authors: Clare S
authors: CS
authors: Hocking
authors: Liz A
authors: LA
authors: Smythe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012919:Social Behavior