# Life History, Identity, and Recovery in People with Mental Health Conditions: A Phenomenological Study Using OPHI-II

## TL;DR

This study explores how life history, identity, and daily activities influence mental health recovery, emphasizing personalized approaches.

## Contribution

The study introduces a standardized tool integrating biographical narratives and occupational perspectives into mental health interventions.

## Key findings

- Life history is central to recovery, aiding identity reconstruction and recognizing personal capacities.
- Daily occupations and social support are key factors for inclusion and participation in recovery.
- Standardized tools can promote autonomy and empowerment beyond traditional diagnosis-based methods.

## Abstract

Background and Objectives: Mental health recovery is conceived as a personal process going beyond symptom remission and thus involving identity reconstruction, search for meaning and active participation in everyday life. This study aimed to analyze the influence of life history, identity, competence and context on the recovery process of people with mental illness. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted and registered in the Open Science Framework. Participants were 159 individuals diagnosed with mental disorders who attended a community mental health association. Data were collected using the standardized Occupational Performance History Interview-II (OPHI-II) and analyzed through an inductive phenomenological approach with researcher triangulation. Results: Findings showed that life history is central to recovery, as it helps rebuild identity, recognize personal capacities and restore a sense of continuity. Daily occupations and social support emerged as key factors for inclusion and participation. Conclusions: Results highlight the importance of integrating biographical narratives and occupational perspective into mental health interventions through a standardized tool that surpasses traditional diagnosis-based or methodologically weak approaches. This perspective fosters practices aligned with individuals’ values, goals and contexts, promoting autonomy, empowerment, and social inclusion. These findings may inform person-centered recovery programs in community services.