RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Participation in occupations is a powerful determinant of wellbeing. This study focusses on obtaining a greater understanding of the occupational experiences of people with schizophrenia and the factors that facilitate or hinder occupational engagement. SAMPLE: Six participants with schizophrenia living in an Australian urban community who were clients of an assertive outreach team formed the sample. METHODS: Data gathered via semi-structured interviews and observation were thematically analysed. RESULTS: The findings are reported in three main themes: struggling to survive in the present, enabling and constraining factors in the living environment and the importance and value of work. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide further evidence for occupational therapists working with consumers of mental health services to adopt practices that enable self-determination of participation in occupations, increase supports and resources within the community environment and expand opportunities for work.
