Resonating relationships: an interview study with participants in an individual placement and support programme in Denmark

This study examines how the experiences of participants in an
Individual Placement and Support programme differ compared to
their previous experiences with the psychiatric treatment system and
employment services. The article is based on a qualitative study of 19
IPS participants’ experiences in a Danish context. The study was
designed as a participatory research project involving two coresearchers
with personal experience of IPS. The study shows that the
participants emphasised time and flexibility as central to the
development of a helpful relationship with the employment specialist.
This contrasts with their previous experiences, where they often met
with professionals who lacked the time to develop a resonating
relationship. Based on Hartmut Rosa’s critical theory of late modern
temporality, it is discussed how increasing acceleration is experienced
individually, but also systematically, in today’s society. It raises
questions about how time and flexibility affect the potential for
people with mental health problems to enter a working life and thus
strengthen their recovery process.