Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the effects on community-living mentally disabled persons of their participation in volunteer activities. The study intended that the knowledge acquired of such effects and the environmental requirements for them serve as key references for developing future regional mental health and social service activities.The effects on participants were qualitatively analyzed using focus group interview data. Among community-living mentally disabled persons who prepared meals for and interacted with individuals with intellectual disabilities, six volunteers provided consent to participate in the study. Results of participation in volunteer activities indicated "skill acquisition for continuing to live in the community,""broadening of daily activity areas,""experiencing how it feels to be a part of the community,"and "feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction."Environmental requirements included"existence of self-help groups,""role expectations within the community,""whether participants felt comfortable,"and"involvement with a specialist to elcit their motivation to participate,"Active participation in society may contribute to maintaining functional capacity, and is of great interest in determining the future direction of health and social service policies for mentally disabled persons.
