Affiliations: Mental Health Corporation of Denver, Denver, CO 80222,
USA | Greenville College, Greenville, IL 62246, USA | Indiana University, Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
47408, USA | Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue
University Indianapolis, 402 N. Blackford St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-3275,
USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Michael McQuilken, Director of the
Office of Consumer and Family Affairs, Mental Health Corporation of Denver,
4141 E. Dickenson Place, Denver, CO 80222, USA. Tel.: +1 303 504 6662; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: Objective: Mental health consumers at an urban mental health center
were surveyed about their motivations for working and perceived barriers to
employment. Design: A survey was developed and administered by a consumer-led
research team to 389 persons receiving case management and outpatient
services. Results: Most consumers were either working (16%; n=59) or reported
a desire to work (46%; n=170). The latter group constituted 55% of the 310
respondents who were not working at the time of the study. The most common
perceived barrier was the fear of losing Social Security benefits. Consumers
also reported concerns about receiving low pay and being ashamed of their job
histories. Among the 38% of the total sample who expressed a reluctance or
unwillingness to work, two-thirds (n=58) indicated that, if they did not have
to worry about losing their Social Security benefits while working, they would
try to obtain employment. A total of 179 (49%) respondents expressed a
preference for receiving vocational services at their clinical sites, versus at
a clubhouse location. Conclusions: Most consumers in this study were working or wanted to
work. Consumers' motivations for work can be increased, especially if key
barriers to work are described as removable. Preferences for types and
locations of vocational services need to be considered in planning
services.
Keywords: consumers, work, barriers to employment, survey, work motivation
