Happiness, Well-Being, and Recovery: Experiences of Adults Receiving Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services

Objectives: Although recovery for people with serious mental illness (SMI) has received considerable attention, there is a research gap on the related topics of well-being and happiness—subjects that have been widely studied in the general population. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of happiness, well-being, and recovery from the perspectives of persons with SMI, and to examine similarities and differences among these constructs. Method: This qualitative study used semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of 30 adults with SMI to explore experiences of happiness, well-being, and recovery. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to generate themes related to each concept. Results: Happiness was facilitated through relationships with natural and professional supports, engaging in meaningful activities that conferred a sense of accomplishment, using coping skills to reduce distress, engaging in recreational activities, and meeting basic material needs. Well-being was promoted through self-care activities and enhanced through relationships with professional supports. However, nearly one-fourth of participants expressed uncertainty about what well-being meant to them. Recovery was characterized as a process of overcoming illness or adversity through which personal control over symptoms and stressors is increased; recovery is also facilitated by supportive professional relationships. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Most factors relating to the happiness of people with SMI are also factors that have been identified in theory and research as facilitating the happiness of the general population. Findings suggest that happiness should be considered an important new area of research, policy, and practice in the fields of psychiatric rehabilitation.