The Interconnection between Mental Health, Work and Belonging: A Phenomenological Investigation

Abstract

It is well-known that a sense of belonging is crucial in relation to gaining and maintaining sound mental health. Work is also known to be an essential aspect of recovery from mental health problems. However, there is scant knowledge of what a sense of belonging in the workplace represents. This study explores the nature and meaning of a sense of belonging in the workplace as experienced by persons struggling with mental health issues.

Using a descriptive phenomenological methodology, sixteen descriptions of the lived experience of belonging in the workplace were analyzed. The analysis reveals that the experience of belonging in the workplace is restricted and fragile until the moment one becomes accepted, but grows stronger and more resilient as one chooses how one wants to participate. Nonetheless, the sense of belonging is haunted by mixed emotions and ambivalence between the wish to be taken care of and the longing for professional appreciation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Olav Tangvald-Pedersen

Professor Olav Tangvald-Pedersen is employed as an Assistant Professor in the post- graduate programme for Mental Health Work at the University College of Southeast Norway in Porsgrunn.

Professor Tangvald-Pedersen is presently engaged in PhD research focusing on the relevance of a sense of belonging for mental health promotion in the context of the workplace. He is a trained educational scientist and teaches different themes and topics such as positive mental health, recovery from mental distress, participant research, and the philosophy of science.

He is particularly interested in the application of both descriptive phenomenology and interpretative phenomenology.

Rob Bongaardt

Professor Rob Bongaardt holds a doctorate in Psychology and is a Professor of Mental Health in the Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies at the University College of Southeast Norway in Porsgrunn.

Professor Bongaardt’s areas of scholarship include the theory and history of human movement science, positive mental health, and adult development. A descriptive phenomenological approach supports his research into the experience of good mental health during the life course.

He is presently involved in several collaborative research projects concerning themes such as lack of parental love, mental health and recovery, and doctoral supervision development.