title: The meaning and experience of work in the context of severe and enduring mental health problems: an interpretative phenomenological analysis.
abstract: Research into mental health and employment has indicated that work holds multiple meanings for people with mental health problems. This paper reports findings from a phenomenological study which aimed to understand the complexity of these meanings by exploration of the perspectives of one individual who was considering returning to work. Data were gathered through a series of three interviews carried out over a period of 18 months. Three themes were identified - Beliefs and Values about Work, Working with a Mental Health Problem, and Planning for the Future. Analysis and interpretation facilitated understandings of what work represented for the participant. What this study has contributed to the evidence base is a deeper understanding of the multiple meanings of work, and the varied roles that work may play in contributing to meaning and quality of life for people with mental health problems.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blank
authors.forename: Priscilla
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Harries
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Reynolds
mesh_terms: D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012945:Social Values; D014937:Work / Q000523:psychology*