The meaning of work for people with severe mental illness: a systematic review

Purpose Mental illness is associated with high unemployment rates, limited working opportunities, work-related discrimination, stigma and prejudices. For people with severe mental illness, the work reality is even more burdensome. This paper aims to explore in-depth and presents research results in the past decade on the meaning of work for people with severe mental illness. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a systematic literature search in Medline, Science Direct, PsycINFO databases between 2000 and 2019. The review concluded in 13 studies. Findings This research showed actual results regarding the meaning of work for individuals with severe mental illness from a medical, social, psychological and financial perspective. Work is of great importance for people with severe mental illness, influencing their lives on many levels. Practical implications The present research results can contribute to the information and further awareness of experts in mental health and vocational rehabilitation services. This review lightens the meaning of work and challenges the state's priorities in creating active and not marginalised citizens. Originality/value This review is original and adds to the existing knowledge that employment may benefit people with severe mental illness, especially the youngest adults, despite their labor market obstacles. It is for communities' benefit, employers, but mostly for people with severe mental illness themselves, to work.