Abstract:
Background: Reintegration into family, school, and community life following mental
health treatment is a critical yet insufficiently studied phase for adolescents. In low
resource contexts such as Bangladesh, stigma, limited mental health literacy, and
inadequate follow-up services may hinder sustained recovery and functional
participation. Evidence regarding adolescents’ lived reintegration experiences remains
scarce.
Aim: The aim of this study is to explore adolescent experiences regarding the
reintegration of adolescents with mental illness after completing comprehensive mental
health treatment.
Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was adopted. Eight adolescents aged
13–18 years who had recently completed treatment at a specialized mental health
service were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to
face, semi-structured in-depth interviews using a researcher-developed guide informed
by literature and expert review.
Results: The findings indicated that adolescents initially experienced emotional relief
and stabilization after treatment; academic and cognitive strain during school re-entry;
social stigma, fear of judgment, and withdrawal, and ambivalent family support
functioning as both facilitator and barrier. Although participants valued structured
therapeutic environments, many struggled to sustain progress when returning to
everyday contexts.
Conclusion: This study shows that reintegration is a dynamic and complex process
requiring continued psychosocial and environmental support beyond discharge.
Family-inclusive planning, school-based mental health services, and structured follow
up programs are essential to promote sustained recovery and meaningful participation
among adolescents in Bangladesh.
Keywords: Reintegration, Adolescents, Mental illness, Occupational therapy, Mental
health services, Bangladesh
Description:
This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
