Occupational Self Analysis in People with a Serious Mental Illness.

In this study we test the efectiveness of an intervention called 'Occupational sefl-analysys' where particiapants are taught to analyze what activities they do and why do they choose those activities. Also they are encouage to reflect about those occupations that don't do but will like to. In case they want to , they can make changes in their occupational routines. After he program we assessed the improvements in life satisfaction, participation in meaningful activities, perception of balance and occupational satisfaction,

The appearance of a mental disorder forces the person to modify their occupational choices and participation, due, among other aspects, to the continuous presence of symptoms and relapses. 'Occupational self-analysis' programs are based on increasing occupational awareness to promote changes in meaningful occupational participation. The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of the 'Occupational self-analysis' program in people with Serious Mental Disorder specially on life satisfaction, participation in meaningful activities, perception of balance and occupational satisfaction, compared to the standard intervention received in a Therapeutic Community of Mental Health. The program was implemented for 4 months, twice a week, while the control group received the standard treatment. Ten people participated in the 'Occupational self-analysis' program. Results show that participants improved their perception of occupational balance and occupational satisfaction, as well as increasing their participation in meaningful activities.