Meaningfulness of Work for People Participating in Individual Placement and Support: Expanding Understanding Through the Concept of Mattering

Abstract

Individual placement and support (IPS) is effective in improving outcomes for competitive employment for people experiencing severe mental illness (SMI). Knowledge of the meaningfulness of work to IPS participants is scarce. This study describes the meaningfulness of work as experienced by IPS participants. The study adopted a peer research design and included in-depth interviews with 10 IPS participants in Norway. Phenomenological reflective lifeworld research was applied. The findings were further examined by incorporating Prilleltensky's mattering wheel concept. This study revealed that work provides the possibility of gaining significance and recognition. Participants acknowledged work as a source of (1) belonging, (2) contributing, and (3) having value. The sense of belonging that work awakens and the possibility it provides for contribution enables individuals to add value to themselves and others. While unemployment can accentuate feelings of isolation, uselessness, and worthlessness, employment can develop and cultivate a sense of mattering to one's self and the community. This study addresses the novel aspect of the connection between the meaningfulness of work and mattering. Highlighting the importance of mattering through work for persons experiencing SMI can encourage mental health practitioners to include employment as a standard mental health intervention. Please refer to the Supporting Information section to find this article's community and social impact statement.