AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF COPING STRATEGIES USED BY PEOPLE WITH SEVERE MENTAL-ILLNESS PARTICIPATING IN SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

In response to the need for qualitative studies of mental health consumers in the process of rehabilitation and recovery, the authors conducted a one-year ethnographic study with 13 participants in the New Hampshire Supported Employment Study. Ethnographic methods included participant-observation and interviewing. Six common strategies for maintaining health and employment were identified: (1) keeping a positive outlook, (2) avoiding substance abuse, (3) using a diverse support network, (4) using medications strategically, (5) avoiding relapse of illness, and (6) overcoming stigma.