J.L. (Josephien) Jansen, MSc

Adequate financial self-management is crucial for independent living, leisure-time activities and social relations. Financial self-management is, however, at risk among young people with psychosis. Psychotic symptoms may start to interfere with their financial behaviour and cognitive alterations may hamper their financial capabilities. Loss of income and incurring debts in turn can trigger financial, psychological and social distress. Not seldom parents have to take over or a guardian has to step in. New legislation makes this situation even more urgent as housing-facilities are no longer provided by Mental Health care organisations. Consequently, people are now held financially responsible for their own living-situation.

This project aims to assess, stimulate and train for financial self-management among people with psychosis.

First, we will explore how financial needs can create barriers to independent living in two large databases. Additionally, we will carry out quantitative and qualitative assessments on financial capabilities in people seeking financial support.
Next, we will assess financial capabilities of service-users by applying the Financial Competence Tool, within First Psychosis Programs, investigating clinical, cognitive and contextual characteristics that may influence financial capabilities. We then investigate how financial capabilities in turn impact on independent living, social participation, housing situation and leisure-time activities

Third, we evaluate a novel intervention, Fin-Fit to be developed in close collaboration with service-users, caregivers, nurses, and financial experts. Fin-Fit aims to support people with psychosis to maintain or regain financial self-management, empowering social participation, leisure-time activities and independent living.