Becoming a valued member of society: the meaning of Art-Based vocational rehabilitation in the Norwegian labour and welfare service.

Background: Individuals with social, mental health and/or addiction issues often face significant barriers to accessing, maintaining, and re-entering education or employment. Exclusion from these domains is linked to feelings of marginalization, hopelessness, and a reduced sense of significance.

Methods: In our study, following the phenomenological reflexive lifeworld research approach, we conducted 11 interviews with young people facing social, mental health and/or addiction issues, who have experienced being out of school and work. The aim was to explore the potential of art-based vocational rehabilitation (ABVR) from the perspective of young people.

Results: The essential meaning of ABVR can be understood as a starting point on a journey for young people with complex issues in becoming valued members of society. The essential meaning is further explicated through its five constituents: [1] experiencing a sense of belonging [2], building friendship [3], empowering through goal-oriented rehabilitation [4], developing authenticity, and [5] believing that one matters.

Conclusions: Participation in ABVR reshaped young people's self-perceptions, their confidence in their abilities, and their sense of significance to others. Despite once living on the borders of society, they joined a community of like-minded peers, contributing value and feeling that they matter. Altogether, attending ABVR supported a sense of citizenship and mattering.