”Mer än att leka träslöjd” : En kvalitativ studie om vad en sysselsättningsverksamhet kan betyda för dess deltagare

This study was the foundation for an evaluation of an employment project in Sweden. The project offers occupations in carpentry as well as kitchen work for people with psychiatric disorders, substance abuse and other social difficulties. This studies purpose was to analyze the projects significance to its participants and also to distinguish weather the project influences the participant’s life in a professional or private way. The methodological tool was five qualitative interviews with the participants and three qualitative interviews with the employees. The theoretical framework was Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model of human development. Results of the study showed that the employment project has had a notable value for its participants, in a professional as well as in a private way. By using the bioecological model of human development, we have also gained an understanding of how the project creates new roles for the participants. We found that interpersonal relationships emerged throughout the project. These relationships, which had a positive influence on the participants, were established between the participants and the employees as well as among the members themselves. In conclusion, the support given by the employees has had a deep impact on the participants’ developmental processes