TY - JOUR
T1 - Exploring the tipping point
T2 - a qualitative study of labour marked experiences among young people with first episode of schizophrenia
AU - Ørtenblad, Lisbeth
AU - Olsen, Birthe Bruun
AU - Vernal, Ditte Lammers
AU - Pedersen, Pernille
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany 2025.
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - Purpose: Work holds significant value in the lives of most individuals, impacting various aspects such as identity, health, and the economy. However, young individuals with schizophrenia often encounter challenges in accessing and maintaining employment. Despite this, knowledge regarding their experiences with labor market is sparse. The study aimed to explore perspectives on labor market affiliation and vocational intervention in relation to quality of life and health among young people with schizophrenia. Methods: A qualitative approach was employed, applying individual interviews as data collection method. Twelve patients with first episode of schizophrenia were recruited from two outpatient clinics. Thematic analysis was used, following an inductive process. A user panel was established to ensure quality and relevance of the study. Results: Three key themes were identified from the analysis: 1. “Work is simultaneously rewarding and demanding”, highlighting the struggle to balance the benefits of employment with the difficulties of meeting labor market requirements; 2. “Mental health, stigma and work: A complex interplay”, which concerned how work simultaneously contributes to stress and reduces psychiatric symptoms; 3. “Supported employment: Facilitating work-life balance”, concerning how supported employment intervention facilitated a better work-life balance, enhancing overall quality of life, under specific conditions. Conclusion: Young individuals with schizophrenia are highly motivated to work, yet encounter significant barriers to labour market participation, related both to their mental health condition and societal stigma. Supported employment programmes emerge as crucial in empowering individuals with schizophrenia to navigate the complexities of the labour market while managing their mental health effectively.
AB - Purpose: Work holds significant value in the lives of most individuals, impacting various aspects such as identity, health, and the economy. However, young individuals with schizophrenia often encounter challenges in accessing and maintaining employment. Despite this, knowledge regarding their experiences with labor market is sparse. The study aimed to explore perspectives on labor market affiliation and vocational intervention in relation to quality of life and health among young people with schizophrenia. Methods: A qualitative approach was employed, applying individual interviews as data collection method. Twelve patients with first episode of schizophrenia were recruited from two outpatient clinics. Thematic analysis was used, following an inductive process. A user panel was established to ensure quality and relevance of the study. Results: Three key themes were identified from the analysis: 1. “Work is simultaneously rewarding and demanding”, highlighting the struggle to balance the benefits of employment with the difficulties of meeting labor market requirements; 2. “Mental health, stigma and work: A complex interplay”, which concerned how work simultaneously contributes to stress and reduces psychiatric symptoms; 3. “Supported employment: Facilitating work-life balance”, concerning how supported employment intervention facilitated a better work-life balance, enhancing overall quality of life, under specific conditions. Conclusion: Young individuals with schizophrenia are highly motivated to work, yet encounter significant barriers to labour market participation, related both to their mental health condition and societal stigma. Supported employment programmes emerge as crucial in empowering individuals with schizophrenia to navigate the complexities of the labour market while managing their mental health effectively.
KW - Multidisciplinary collaboration
KW - Qualitative
KW - Schizophrenia
KW - Supported employment
KW - Vocational rehabilitation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85217251502&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s00127-025-02816-4
DO - 10.1007/s00127-025-02816-4
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 39853373
AN - SCOPUS:85217251502
SN - 0933-7954
JO - Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
JF - Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
ER -