Poverty Trajectories Experienced by Persons with Mental Illness

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to better understand the relationship between mental illness and poverty by comparing three groups of individuals with mental illness in Canada: those who see their financial status as improving, worsening, or staying the same. This study used a focused ethnography approach to collect qualitative data from 34 focus group participants. Participants highlighted several facilitators and barriers to financial improvement and often described their financial situation as a cycle that was difficult to escape. Results are discussed in terms of policy implications to facilitate both a movement toward mental health and away from poverty.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health
• participatory-action research
• poverty

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Pam Lahey for assistance with policy analysis. This manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not being considered for publication elsewhere.

Funding

This project was funded by the Ontario Mental Health Foundation (OMHF).

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded by the Ontario Mental Health Foundation (OMHF).