Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 45 No. 12 December 2007
By Zlatka Russinova, PhD; Philippe P. Bloch, MEd; Asya Lyass, MA
ABSTRACT
This article provides empirical evidence about the patterns of competitive employment among individuals with serious mental illness who are in vocational recovery. The findings are based on a 5-year longitudinal study on sustained employment, conducted with a national sample of 529 individuals with serious mental illness who were in vocational recovery at the time of study enrollment. Data analysis from the 328 participants who completed the study—from baseline through all five annual follow-up assessments—revealed three different postrecovery employment patterns: continuous, stable, and fluctuating. Although many participants demonstrated the capacity to sustain competitive employment during prolonged periods of time, others experienced employment interruptions. Work interruptions were most frequently attributed to exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms. Schizophrenia spectrum disorder, difficulties with daily functioning, and current receipt of disability benefits predicted the psychiatric-based work interruptions in this sample. Implications for clinical practice are also discussed.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Russinova is Senior Research Associate, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, and Research Assistant Professor, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mr. Bloch is Research Coordinator, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, and Ms. Lyass is Data Analyst and PhD candidate, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity.
The original longitudinal study was supported by a grant (#H133G80124) from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the U.S. Department of Education and by a grant (H133B0023) jointly funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of any funding agency.
Address correspondence to Zlatka Russinova, PhD, Senior Research Associate, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, 940 Commonwealth Avenue West, Boston, MA 02215, e-mail: zlatka@bu.edu.
