ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the social dimension of the concept of participation and the meaning participation can have for mental health and identity. Across different perspectives and fields, there is general agreement that mental health and illness have important social dimensions and consequences. A main finding from research over several decades is that a life situation with few social ties and a lack of supportive social relationships has negative effects on mental health in populations. The concepts of participation and social participation are often used interchangeably, and both are often linked to 'involvement in society and concepts of social integration, social inclusion or social activity'. The three principles will act and be visible on three levels: an intra-psychic, an interpersonal and an inter-group level. Participation, social inclusion, mental health and identity are the central themes in the chapter. The chapter illustrates mental health work aiming to support participation by presenting two brief examples in a Danish and a Norwegian service.
