Theorising stigma and the experiences of injecting drug users in Australia

This paper examines the stigma of injecting drug use as an underlying factor in the poor health status of
Australian injecting drug users. Drawing on various models of stigma described in the literature, we examine injecting drug users’ experiences. As a case study, examples from Victorian (specifically Melbourne) policy and practice are included to exemplify community and societal attitudes towards injecting drug users and the implications of these for injecting drug user health. We conclude that redressing the negative effects of stigma requires political will, financial support, increased community commitment and a better understanding of the links between the social determinant of health and the poor health status of injecting drug users.Without reducing the stigma of injecting drug use the health of this marginalised population is likely to get worse, which will have broader negative population health effects.

"Look at him...he's failing" : male executives' experiences of redundancy

Participation and success in paid work is a key element of identity for many men. The increased prevalence of downsizing and the associated discarding of individuals from their workplaces, then, has particular relevance for men. This paper shares qualitative findings from an exploratory phenomenological study investigating the experiences of Australian executives who had been made redundant. Three themes related to male identity are presented here: Failing as the breadwinner; Being less of a person; and, Losing success. The participants in this study shared feelings of anger, sadness, fear and embarrassment as a result of the assault to their identity that accompanied their involuntary redundancies. The impacts of redundancy were not only felt in relation to their job loss, but continued after returning to work. At a time when downsizing continues to feature as a routine part of organisational life—for some, an experience repeated throughout their careers—further exploration of the experience of redundancy and its implications is required.

Experiences of engagement in occupations and assertive outreach services

Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe the experience and meaning of engagement for staff and clients of assertive outreach teams.
Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was selected for its flexibility and transparency. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews from a sample of five client and five staff participants (n = 10). The interviews were analysed idiographically, inductively and interrogatively.
Findings: Four themes identified by both staff and client participants emerged: engagement as an interpersonal relationship, engagement in and through time, enabling and disabling factors and engagement in occupation. In addition, clients developed a theme around engagement as a means to self-actualisation. Staff also raised a specific theme around the role of engagement in mental health services.
Conclusion: Staff and clients experienced engagement in broadly similar ways, but with differing emphases. Although all participants described it as both an invisible 'means' and a visible 'end', the staff related engagement only to mental health services whereas the clients experienced it in the context of both mental health services and occupations.
Relevance: This study is relevant to all occupational therapists who work with people experiencing mental health problems.