The Meaning of Agency in Contexts of Everyday Life for Mental Health Recovery in Young Adulthood - A Thematic Analysis.

Résumé

OBJECTIVES: For young adults, experiences of life-disruptive mental distress often involve social isolation, stigma and reduced self-worth, which can impede recovery during a critical period of identity formation. This study explores how six young adults in Denmark, recruited through the OPUS early psychosis intervention program, retrospectively assessed how, where and why they were enabled to act within everyday contexts to catalyse recovery.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: An abductive thematic analysis was conducted using life story interviews followed by intensive interviews focused on youth recovery.RESULTS: Two themes were generated. First, overcoming isolation in safe and inclusive communities: participants sought belonging through repaired parental relationships or, when parental support was insufficient, by visiting trusted networks abroad. Second, gaining competence and recognition in self-chosen physical and creative activities: these contexts enabled participants to develop skills, experience recognition and, in some cases, reframe aspects of mental distress as personal resources. Together, the themes suggest that experiences of safety were a necessary basis for attuned exploration, self-challenge and identity formation fostering greater hope for the future.DISCUSSION: The analysis illuminates the relational and contextual dynamics of agency, belonging and meaning making in youth recovery, showing that agency was co-created through interactions with people, environments, activities and norms.CONCLUSION: Everyday contexts aligning with young adults' interests hold substantial potential to foster belonging, participation, competence and hope, supporting meaningful engagement in life while preparing young people for adulthood.