MEANINGFUL WORK IN SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS - EXPERIENCES WITH THE RECOVERY PROCESS

Objective. This ethnographic study examined what makes work meaningful for persons with persistent mental illness and how this meaningfulnes s relates to their recovery. Method. Twelve persons between 32 and 58 years of age who had been involved an average of 19 years with a forma l mental health system participated in in-depth interviews and a focus group. Thematic analysis and case studies were understood in the cont ext of the investigatory 15 months of participant observation of 35 pe rsons with psychiatric disabilities working at an affirmative business . Results. The meaning of work varied with participants' perception of their illness and their self-concept. Changes in their self-efficacy and self-concept were driven by their participation in work activities to operate the affirmative business. Conclusion. Findings suggest tha t therapists could potential facilitate these changes in clients' sens e of self-efficacy and self-concept by helping them make connections w ith meaningful occupations and contributions to organizations in the c ommunity and to experience challenges and successes in the context of meaningful work.