Exploration of the occupations of people with schizophrenia

Participation in occupations is a powerful determinant of wellbeing. This study focusses on obtaining a greater understanding of the occupational experiences of people with schizophrenia and the factors that facilitate or hinder occupational engagement.

Six participants with schizophrenia living in an Australian urban community who were clients of an assertive outreach team formed the sample.

Data gathered via semi-structured interviews and observation were thematically analysed.

The findings are reported in three main themes: struggling to survive in the present, enabling and constraining factors in the living environment and the importance and value of work.

These findings provide further evidence for occupational therapists working with consumers of mental health services to adopt practices that enable self-determination of participation in occupations, increase supports and resources within the community environment and expand opportunities for work.