Meaning of Daily Activities and Subjective Quality of Life in People with Severe Mental Illness

Abstract

The occupational therapy services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness are concerned with their quality of life. A correlational study explored the relationship between the meaning of daily activities and the subjective quality of life of this group of people. In this study, the meaning of activities was defined by three elements, related to the Human Occupation Model: perceived competence, value and pleasure, measured by the Occupational Questionnaire. The Wisconsin Quality of Life-Client Questionnaire provided a global score for the subjective quality of life. A total of 45 people with severe and persistent mental illness, living in downtown Montréal, participated in a semi-structured interview. The results suggest that perceived competence in daily tasks and rest, and pleasure in work and rest activities are positively correlated with subjective quality of life. The influence of occupation and its meaning on quality of life, an occupational therapy assumption, is supported by these results. It also supports occupational therapists' interventions with these clients when aiming to help develop their sense of competence and their enjoyment in the performance of activities.