Purposeful activity for people with enduring mental health problems: Reflections from a case study

The desire to work is deeply rooted in the human psyche and involves both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. If this is indeed the case, then this form of human activity should be considered to be an important element of our lives and therefore worthy of intervention when circumstances restrict an individualʹs engagement with it. To investigate the therapeutic nature of work for people with enduring mental health problems, the author conducted a pilot case study of a work rehabilitation scheme in the United Kingdom. The main theme to emerge from the study was that of purposeful activity.