Citation

Lund K, Argentzell E, Leufstadius C, Tjörnstrand C, Eklund M. Scand. J. Occup. Ther. 2019; 26(1): 55-68.

Affiliation

Department of Health Sciences/Mental Health, Activity and Participation , Lund University , Lund , Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/11038128.2017.1409266

PMID

29179630

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Balancing Everyday Life (BEL), a new group-based intervention for mental health service users, was implemented in Sweden. Mental health service users often experience group interventions as meaningful, but knowledge of the process of meaning-making in a group is lacking.

AIM: To explore participants' perceptions of the group in the Balancing Everyday Life (BEL) lifestyle intervention; specifically, personal experiences of what brings meaning when participating in a group.

METHODS: This qualitative Grounded Theory study included 26 interviews with 19 BEL participants.

RESULTS: A process of meaning-making in a group was constructed: Joining with others: from feeling alone to connected, A sense of belonging: mutual support and understanding, and Re-valuing Self: respect and self-worth. No longer feeling alone contributed to meaning. Peers and group leaders were considered important parts of the group, and participants appreciated feeling understood, respected, and helping others.

CONCLUSION: The proposed process of meaning-making, as well as 'Joining' as a unique step, seems to be new contributions which could help practitioners when organizing groups. Overcoming fear of joining could break a cycle of isolation and lead to connecting and belonging. The value of participants finding purpose through helping others should be further explored.

Language: en

Keywords

Mental illness; grounded theory; group intervention; groups; lifestyle; meaning; mental health; occupational therapy