Helpful support to promote participation in school and work: Subjective experiences of people with mental health problems---A literature review

ABSTRACT

This article provides an overview over current knowledge regarding helpful support to promote participation in education and work among people with mental health problems. Based on 14 studies gleaned from a systematic review, three overarching themes were identified through thematic analysis: supportive interpersonal relationships, integrating mental health and everyday life issues with education/employment support, and person-centered support. The findings call for a deeper understanding of support in the context of mental health and participation in education and work among people with mental health problems.

KEYWORDS:

• Adults
• education
• first-person perspectives
• literature review
• mental health
• work

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge that this article is the product of a research project exploring first-person experiences with support in the context of participation in school and work. We acknowledge the support and assistance provided by research librarian Jana Myrvold and the competence group of professionals and persons with lived experiences related to the area of interest.

Funding

The project is funded by the Norwegian Extra Foundation for Health and Rehabilitation through the Norwegian Council of Mental Health (2015–2018).