| Popis: |
Mental vulnerability is not only a worry for the person itself but also its family, friends, and neighbors, not to mention society at large. Denmark has an extensive welfare system including universal healthcare benefits. Yet it seems as though mental illnesses are not prioritized in the public debate, politically, nor in the healthcare system. We seek to investigate the importance of relations for identity formation and possibilities for the development of individuals with a mental vulnerability. Related to this, we are interested in the possibility of individuals reaching an everyday life without being limited by their mental vulnerability. In our master’s thesis, we have approached the scope of this assignment by focusing on the every- day life of individuals with a mental vulnerability. Five interviews have been conducted, to reach a thorough understanding of the reality of the individuals with mental vulnerability. Re- sults found in our qualitative empirical research are supported by the findings from our questionnaire with 306 participants with a mental vulnerability. Through the process of writing this master’s thesis, we have gained a thorough understanding of the substantial complexity of this field of study. As such, we cannot conclude on which social relations increase nor which social relations diminish the possibilities for development for individuals with a mental vulnerability. With the analytical findings of this thesis, we can conclude that it is necessary to understand individuals as holistic beings that do not only exist related to their mental vulnerability. This will enhance the individuals’ opportunities for development by reducing the degree to which individuals relate their identity with their mental vulnerability. To achieve this we emphasize the importance of finding a common denominator for individuals with mental vulnerability, to provide attention and recognition disconnected from their vulnerability. We hope that this master’s thesis can shed light on the importance of rethinking social relations in the institutions of society, as these possess both the potential of development for individuals, while simultaneously contributing to confining them to their mental vulnerability. |
