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Opportunities and barriers for occupational engagement among residents in supported housing. Research shows that people with psychiatric disabilities view supported housing (SH) as a possibility for social contact, but also as entailing a risk of deprived self-determination. There is, however, little research on the target group's engagement in everyday occupations. To explore SH residents' opportunities and barriers for occupational engagement. Sixteen participants were interviewed, and data was analysed using content analysis. An overarching theme, Struggling to create meaning and seeking affection, and three underlying categories, emerged. Finding meaning through self-chosen occupations and support focussed on receiving support, doing self-chosen occupations, and having social contacts. Feeling neglected and insecure limits engagement in occupations was related to feelings of not being seen by staff, and insecurity, which hampered daily life. The third theme was Having a negative self-image and low level of ability hinders an active life. Residents' self-view and ability to create an inner drive for being active was important for occupational engagement, which was linked to social connectedness. Occupational based interventions and a personal recovery approach is warranted in order to facilitate needs for meaningful occupations. The results from the study can be used to further develop optimal support within SH units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a relatively common disabling illness in adolescents that may limit participation in daily life. Aim: This study explored interactions between the illness experiences of adolescents with CFS/ME, their occupational lives and expectations for the future. Methods: Seven adolescents with CFS/ME were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were developed. 'Being ruled by an unfamiliar and inexplicable body', which illustrated that altered and strange bodies seemed to separate and disrupt the participants from their former occupational lives. 'On the sideline of life with peers', which demonstrated that the informants spent time at home, doing undemanding activities instead of participating in activities with peers. 'A coherent connection between present and future life', which was reflected by how the participants eventually accepted their situation and rebuilt a meaningful occupational life and value of self. Conclusion: CFS/ME made the body unfamiliar and disconnected informants from participating in their usual daily occupations. A coherent interaction between body, occupational life and social self was achieved by taking their new body into account and adjusting their occupations accordingly. This practice enabled the participants to hope for a better future life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]