정신장애인의 취업경험에 관한 현상학적 연구

A Phenomenological Study on the Employment Experiences of the Mentally Disabled

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the employment experiences of the mentally disabled through deeply searching their point of views. Method: The phenomenological method used was by Colaizzi's, which can be used in understanding the essential meaning of the participant’s experiences. Results: The major themes were analyzed as follows: "living as a wastrel", "unhappy existence", "living as a novice within the boundary", "having a job helps straighten the curved back since it generates an antibody to the society", and "struggling by oneself". The participants showed acceptance of their mental illness as manifested by strict compliance and adherence to medication regimen. In addition, they would try to cope with their psychiatric symptoms and maintain their jobs. As a result, this study suggested the necessity of a strong social support for the participants to maintain their jobs