Work identity development in young adults with mental health problems

Abstract

Background: How we identify ourselves is strongly related to employment. Young adults are a vulnerable group with regard to entering the Labor market. If they also have mental health problems, entering becomes more difficult and increases risk of early marginalization. Nevertheless, working can be essential for personal recovery process. Aims: To explore experiences of young adults with mental health problems who are starting to work, with a focus on the process of developing work identity. Methods: Grounded theory design was used. The data collection consisted of 13 in-depth interviews with young adults with mental health problems aged 19-26 years, who had worked for at least three months. Results: The experience of starting to work contributed to a process of internal and external change, new feelings, challenges, and understanding of the surrounding world. Former negative thought patterns became more positive. New roles and occupational patterns were developed and altered views on abilities, and thus self-efficacy. This development contributed to a work identity, and new directions in life. Conclusions: There is therapeutic potential in supporting work identity development, and this support can empower the personal recovery process for young adults.

Employment of young people with mental health conditions: making it work

“…Employment addresses the practical need for income, provides access to resources, helps in achieving social contact and support, and, gives an individual a sense of purpose and identity [2][3][4]. Employment offers similar benefits to people with mental health conditions, wherein work is associated with improvement in the economic position [5], self-efficacy [6], and empowerment [7]. Studies have also found that employment is associated with better clinical outcomes among people with mental health conditions.…”

An integrated mental health and vocational intervention: A longitudinal study on mental health changes among young adults

“…Such interventions have previously been found to support the experience of self-esteem, empowerment and engagement in everyday activities (Liljeholm & Bejerholm, 2019;Young et al, 2018) and community life in general (Bejerholm & Roe, 2018;Bellack & Drapalski, 2012).…”

“…We believe that paying attention to both personal and clinical recovery in mental health services for young adults is important in providing an early chance at recovery. Efficient support in the transition towards a work identity provides a good condition for personal recovery from mental health problems among young adults, prevents exclusion from studies and work and lowers the risks for early exclusion in the community (Liljeholm & Bejerholm, 2019;Swedish Governments Official Investigations, 2018). These findings suggest that mental health services should include person-centred and work-oriented models, such as supported employment (Bond, Drake, & Becker, 2008) and supported education (Arbesman & Logsdon, 2011) ACT (Marshall & Lockwood, 2011) are recommended that mental health services should be organized in teams of psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, peer supporters and employment specialists and other specialists to pay attention to both care and support for social life roles concurrently and in relation to service users' personal goals (Bejerholm & Roe, 2018).…”

“…A previous related grounded theory study reflected the impact the person-centred and joint mental health and vocational intervention made. It showed that opportunities to enter into social life and the context of a workplace function as a constructive, productive, activity arena where a work identity process can be developed and self-efficacy is enhanced (Liljeholm & Bejerholm, 2019 attended a research informational meeting where they were given verbal and written information about voluntary participation, use of data in relation to the research aims, confidentiality protections and ability to withdraw from the study at any time, according to the principle of autonomy (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013). Written informed consent was obtained from each participant.…”

Roles, Facilitators and Challenges of Employment Support Specialists Assisting Young People with Mental Health Conditions

“…On the other hand, studies assessing the impact of employment on people with MHCs have uncovered several positive outcomes and experiences. It is proposed that employment not only helps young adults initiate internal change, such as developing self-confidence, and gaining deeper understanding of the situations they are in, but also empowers their personal recovery process [4]. In the long term, employment is also believed to be associated with improvements in social and occupational functioning, self-esteem and self-management of mental conditions, and reduction in psychiatric symptoms, and healthcare utilization of people with MHCs [5][6][7][8][9].…”