Experiences of Occupational Value When Doing Creative Activities in a Mental Health Context

Abstract

Everything a person does generates a unique experience of occupational value, and occupational values can in turn generate meaning in life. Doing creative activities positively influences subjective health and well-being. This article provides information about how and to what extent people diagnosed with mental illness experienced occupational value when participating in an intervention with creative activities. Thirty-three participants provided data within a mixed-methods design. Data were analyzed by quantitative non-parametric statistical methods and qualitative directed content analysis. Interventions with creative activities enable a high degree of experienced occupation value and are associated with all dimensions in the occupational value triad.