An evaluation of a cognitive educational program tailored for young women with mental illness: A qualitative interview study

Abstract

Mental illness is a growing problem in numerous industrialized countries. Young women in particular report problems such as anxiety, worry and depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate a cognitive educational program offered to young women with mental illness by listening to how they discussed their own social skills and capability to obtain work or education. Five women in the age range of 18–26 years, who had been unemployed for at least four months, diagnosed as suffering from mental illness, and who also participated in a cognitive educational program were interviewed. The text from the interviews was analyzed using content analysis. The analysis resulted in the construction of the following theme: ‘Being together in an inspiring educational program supports the women’s own ability to devise a holistic life puzzle’ . The participants’ answers were grouped into the following categories: ‘Perceptions of the educational program’ and ‘Social network’ with four subcategories. Being together with others in the same situation would appear to support the women’s own abilities, especially in an environment characterized by strict routines and nearness. These findings indicate the need to develop interventions for young women with mental illness which encourage spaces for collective support.