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Living in a glasshouse: exploring occupational alienation
Wendy Bryant1, Christine Craik, Elizabeth A McKay
1Brunel University, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Isleworth, Middlesex, UK. wendy.bryant@brunel.ac.uk
Summary
Clients found mental health day services structured their routines and provided support networks. However, some services fostered dependence, leading to alienation and a desire for more control over their lives.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Services Research
- Occupational Therapy
- Social Inclusion Studies
Background:
- Community mental health care increasingly emphasizes empowerment and social inclusion over traditional resettlement.
- The evolving landscape of mental health services necessitates evaluation of client experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate mental health day services from the perspective of 39 clients.
- To understand client perceptions of service structure, support, and autonomy.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative data collected from four focus groups.
- Constant comparative analysis and theoretical sampling were employed for data analysis.
- Exploration of implications for occupational therapy practice.
Main Results:
- Clients valued the structure and support networks provided by day services.
- Perceived dependence and loss of valued sessions led to feelings of alienation.
- Clients expressed a desire for greater influence over personal and future life decisions.
Conclusions:
- Occupational alienation emerged as a key issue for clients in mental health day services.
- Occupational therapy can address alienation by developing services that foster belonging and meaningful occupation.
- Interventions should focus on enhancing client autonomy and participation in decision-making.