Au carrefour de l’intégration socio-professionnelle : perspectives et
questionnements de personnes vivant avec des problèmes de santé mentale
This theisis explores the social and economic integration of people with mental health problems in regard to paid work.  Work has become an important vehicle for social integration. Indeed, it is argued that having an occupation could be a tool to recovery and wellness in that it can reduce symptoms and prevent hospitalisation. Work also allows for increased social interactions and active participation in society. There are however, other vehicles for social integration that have the possibility of providing the same advantages as work. Volunteer activities improve the quality of life, promote social interaction and provide opportunities to contribute to community life. Moreover, social withdrawal can be viewed as a way to attain a sense of distance from social pressures and thus provide a beneficial break. It is argued that persons with mental health problems who have a positive perception of their marginal situation have a lower tendency for hospitalisation.  Based on a qualitative approach, this research has attempted to identify the reasons why people with a mental disorder engage in a process of socio-professional integration, social participation and social withdrawal. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 people, and through these interviews, a portrait of their  social and professional process has been presented. The interviews explored the impact of mental health problems on their reality and their identity, what the labour market represents, and the reasons that justify the decision to commit or  to abandon a process of socio-professional integration.  This research has demonstrated that there are five factors that can influence people’s decisions: the relationship to the social environment, identity, the relationship to state institutions, legitimizing discourses and future perspectives. The results show that we can isolate the notions of vulnerability, autonomy, well-being or stability in a specific phase. Vulnerability, autonomy, well-being and stability are states that can be lived in a situation of social withdrawal, social participation and professional integration. Depending on the circumstances and the emotional state of the person, they may be considered adaptive or inadequate modes of adaptation.
Social integration Social participation Social withdrawal Marginality Mental health Identity Economic integration