Psychological Predictors of Vocational Success for People with Psychotic Illness

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy Matthewson ◽  
Jennifer Langworthy ◽  
Dominique Higgins

People diagnosed with psychotic illness continue to be underrepresented in the workforce despite the widespread provision of vocational rehabilitation services for people experiencing mental illness. A systematic literature review was undertaken using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify psychological predictors of successful return to work for this population. The databases searched were PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, PubMed, ProQuest, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), and Taylor & Francis Online. A total of 4,076 articles were located and of these, 29 articles were analysed as part of this review. The data extracted was synthesised using a narrative approach. A number of psychological factors were identified which are predictive of successful return to work. These factors include but are not limited to identity, self-management of illness, social cognition, hope and self-esteem and motivation. On the basis of the reviewed literature, practice guidelines are proposed which support the psychological processes identified as pivotal to vocational success for people diagnosed with psychotic illness.

1996 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Lisa Brown ◽  
Kathleen M. Saura

Individuals who have a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and chronic mental illness pose unique challenges in the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services. Barriers to service provision include an underestimation of prevalence; agency classifications that require a separation of disability conditions into primary and secondary disability; a lack of counselors’ awareness of the unique needs of this population; and the impact of negative attitudes and stigma on vocational success. Although individuals with dual diagnosis can benefit from rehabilitation services and stable employment, changes in the traditional service delivery system are recommended. To address the unique needs of this population, rehabilitation practitioners are encouraged to seek specialized training and continuing education through regional training programs and interagency consultation.


2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda E. Young ◽  
Gregory C. Murphy

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has a dramatic effect on the lives of those affected. As those injured are typically relatively young adults, the interruption to careers and vocational plans is often significant. While return to work following SCI has been well investigated, little is known about the process by which people regain employment post-injury. This investigation aimed to study participants' perceptions regarding the adequacy of the vocational rehabilitation services they received. Data was collected through personal interview with 168 persons with a SCI who were employed at the time of their injury. Participants were asked if they believed they could have been assisted by additional services provided with the aim of facilitating their return-to-work attempts. More than half of the participants believed they would have benefited from additional services. The most commonly requested additional services were: more discussion of vocational options and alternatives, and the timely follow-up of vocational issues. Analysis of subgroup differences indicated that rural-based study participants had clear and precise ideas for how vocational rehabilitation services might be improved.


Author(s):  
Bruce D. Watt ◽  
Lucas Ford ◽  
Rebekah M. Doley ◽  
Sabrina Ong ◽  
Richard E. Hicks ◽  
...  

The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between social support and durable return to work (RTW) post occupational injury. A total of 1,179 questionnaires were posted to clients previously receiving vocational rehabilitation services from the Return to Work Assist program in Queensland, Australia. Participants were asked to indicate their current RTW status, in addition to completing questionnaires measuring their relationship with their superior, relationships with colleagues, and social support external to the workplace. The statistical analysis included 110 participants. An ANOVA indicated that participants in the RTW group reported significantly better relationships with their superiors and colleagues than participants in the non-durable RTW group. No significant differences were observed between the RTW, non-durable RTW and no RTW groups on a measure of social support external to the workplace. Although the findings were limited by the low response rate, an evaluation of demographics indicated the respondents were representative of the original target sample. The findings suggested that providing support in the workplace is an important area for intervention and may be a means of increasing durable RTW outcomes.


2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn A. Radford ◽  
Marion F. Walker

AbstractStroke has a marked impact on the ability to return to work. However, the stroke and its residual cognitive, physical and language deficits do not fully explain return-to-work success. While those with very severe deficits are less likely to return to work, and presence of disability is important, other extrinsic and intrinsic factors, such as having a job to go back to, beliefs and attitudes about work, job markets and the benefits system all play an important part. Vocational rehabilitation services developed with the stroke service user in mind are scarce in the United Kingdom. However, recent government interest in vocational rehabilitation and a recognition that evidence to support poststroke vocational rehabilitation is lacking have prompted efforts to develop new vocational rehabilitation services. People with stroke need specialist vocational rehabilitation services delivered by those who have an in-depth understanding of stroke and its effects. Service developers need to acknowledge and address factors that enable or impede return to work after stroke in service design. Research is needed to evaluate vocational rehabilitation interventions aimed specifically at the needs of stroke patients.


Author(s):  
Siobhan Leary ◽  
◽  
Joanne Hurford ◽  
Niamh Shanahan ◽  
◽  
...  

Less than half of people return to work following a stroke. For those who do, their return is often complicated by residual 'invisible' symptoms. It is important to ask about work and to provide intervention early in the rehabilitation process. Specialist vocational rehabilitation services can support more complex and long-term interventions, but there is a paucity of service provision which needs to be addressed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 286-299
Author(s):  
Jill Meyer ◽  
Vanessa Hinton ◽  
Jinhee Park ◽  
Lindsay Portela ◽  
Christine Fleming ◽  
...  

In recent years there has been a visible shift in societal norms surrounding milestones that were once associated with one's transition to adulthood due to contemporary economic and social changes. Most young adults may experience some degree of adversity, yet experiences of transitioning to adulthood can be more challenging among youth with disabilities due to an impact of disability on development, additional educational and vocational barriers, and societal attitudes toward individuals with disabilities. This manuscript explores the re-conceptualized process of development from adolescence to adulthood, known as “emerging adulthood,” while also exploring resilience, and the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to examine self-esteem and satisfaction with life (i.e., well-being) in emerging adults with and without disabilities, and discuss how vocational rehabilitation services can be administered while improving resiliency for youth and young adults with disabilities. Findings and implications are discussed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Kerrin Watter ◽  
Areti Kennedy ◽  
Vanette McLennan ◽  
Jessica Vogler ◽  
Sarah Jeffery ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Following acquired brain injury, the goal of return to work is common. While return to work is supported through different rehabilitation models and services, access to vocational rehabilitation varies within and between countries, and global rates of employment post-injury remain low. The literature identifies outcomes from vocational programs and experiences with return to work, yet little is known about individuals’ perceptions and experiences regarding rehabilitation to support their vocational goals and experiences in attempting to return to work. Method: This qualitative study investigated the experiences of community-living adults with acquired brain injury (n = 8; mean age 45 years; mean time post-injury of 5.5 years) regarding their vocational rehabilitation and return to work. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted, with data analyzed via thematic analysis. Results: Participants identified negative and positive experiences with vocational rehabilitation and return to work. Five overarching themes were identified: addressing vocational rehabilitation in rehabilitation; facilitators of recovery and return to work; the importance and experience of working again; acquired brain injury and identity; and services, systems and policies. Participants also identified five key areas for early vocational rehabilitation services: education; service provision; employer liaison; workplace supports; and peer mentors. Study findings inform current and future practice and service delivery, at a clinical, service and system level.


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