2007 Volume 10 Issue 2 Pages 89-100
We reviewed research on the subjective lifestyle and mental health and welfare needs of individuals with mental illness in Japan. A total of 45 articles published from 1994 to 2005 were selected for review from the Japana Centra Revuo Medicina database using 6 keywords. The needs identified in the literature were categorized using an approach based on the KJ method. The classification method used in the present research extracted items and organized them into subcategories based on similarity. Subsequently, the subcategories were combined in order to establish core categories. A total of 819 labels were extracted as needs of individuals with mental illness. These labels were categorized into 17 categories and the following core categories : 'I can live my life as I want, ' 'my involvement with the mental health and welfare system is finished, ' 'the environment I live in has been adjusted for me, ' and 'my interaction with the human environment is finished.' The needs of the individuals that were categorized into the above categories and core categories are rich in detail. If professionals continue to support individuals with mental illness, the needs of the individuals will serve as a useful reference for supporting others. These categories identified in the present research are thought to correspond with the mind-brain-body performance subsystem, volition subsystem, habituation subsystem, physical environment, social environment, and occupational behavior setting concept of the model of human occupation, which is the model of occupational therapy practice. Based on the present findings, occupational therapists should provide support for individuals with mental illness in accordance with the established model of occupational therapy practice.
