From mental health problems towards capabilities of people in recovery

The doctoral dissertation of Jarkko Salminen deals with the recovery of young people with mental health problems from the perspective of capabilities.

The study focuses on rehabilitation allowance for young persons, provided by Kela, and how it as an income transfer creates capabilities for young people, that is, opportunities to influence their own lives. In addition, attention is drawn to how services and labor market practices prevent or enable young people’s capabilities. These issues are examined from the perspective of young people themselves, mental health professionals and managers in different fields. The dissertation suggests that, in addition to treating mental health problems individually, the focus should be on how to create capabilities for people with mental health problems in society. This requires various material resources, which can be income transfers, such as rehabilitation allowance for young persons, or for example, sufficient resources aimed at services.