title: The Experience of KAI MAHI, an Employment Initiative for People with an Experience of Mental Illness, as Told by Zarna, Zeus, Lulu, Mary, Paul, and Hemi.
abstract: There is a growing body of evidence endorsing the use of supported employment models for people with an experience of mental illness. However current literature and research regarding the perspective of people with experience of mental illness, as well as alternate models of employment support, is sparse. This study has captured the stories of employment of people with experience of mental illness who participated in KAI MAHI, a group based employment program. Findings identified key components of KAI MAHI, consistent with their overall experiences of employment, which were influential in assisting them to find and sustain employment. These included the opportunity for self-determination, a sense of self-efficacy, and respectful relationships.
authors.affiliation: Live Your Life Ltd, 22a Carysfort St, Mt Maunganui, 3116, New Zealand. janiede@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Janie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Malmanche
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy, Otago Polytechnic, PBag 1910, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand. Linda.Robertson@op.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Robertson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy
keywords: Employment; Mental health; Respectful relationships; Self determination; Self-efficacy