Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 49, issue 2

Authors: Beutel, Till F. | Adams, Johanna | Becker, Jan | Letzel, Stephan | Rose, Dirk-Matthias

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Early retirement caused by invalidity is a major topic of research on teacher’s health. The identification of influencing factors is important to implement appropriate prevention strategies. This study analyzes influencing factors on the subjective prognosis of long-term vocational disability in German teaching staff. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we analyzed medical records of N = 515 teachers and educational staff who had attended an occupational medical/psychological consultation between 2011 and 2016. The majority were women (73.0% ; n = 375), the mean age was 49.6 (SD = 9.1) years. We used a comprehensive set of measures: …work-related demands (Wuerzburg Screening) to identify occupational problems, vocational disability (SPE) and depression/anxiety (PHQ-9, GAD-7). RESULTS: Subjective prognosis of long-term vocational disability was significantly related to age, years of service, several work related strains as well as mental health symptoms. Significant predictors in a multiple logistic regression model were age (OR: 1.06), ‘limited vocational capability‘ (OR: 1.65) and ‘being loaded by work‘ (OR: 1.56). CONCLUSION: Professionals who are concerned with occupational health management should consider those factors in order to prevent or delay early retirement. Persons who are at high risk for early retirement should receive specific trainings or brief psychotherapeutic interventions. Show more

Keywords: Education sector, work load, mental health, early retirement

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180970

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 251-257, 2018

Authors: Sá-Fernandes, Luis | Jorge-Monteiro, Maria F. | Ornelas, José

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite ample research about empowerment or supported employment in the mental health field, research about people with psychiatric disabilities in competitive employment and its impact on personal empowerment using standardized measurements needs to be expanded. OBJECTIVE: This study examined if competitive employment contributes to a positive impact on personal empowerment among 55 people with psychiatric disabilities who participate in community based mental health organizations. METHODS: The current sample was created from a larger study with the purpose of obtaining a homogenous set of participants based on the employment status criteria. Participants filled out the Portuguese …version of the empowerment scale and hierarchical regression analysis was used to study if participants’ employment status was a predictor of personal empowerment. RESULTS: The conducted analyses demonstrated that competitive employment was related to higher levels of empowerment, and that the empowerment dimension of power-based interpersonal relationships was significantly associated with being at work. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that addressing consumers’ working needs through supported employment services has the potential to enhance consumers’ personal empowerment and improve community life. Show more

Keywords: Empowerment, empowerment scale, competitive employment, supported employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180971

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 259-263, 2018

Authors: Iwanaga, Kanako | Chen, Xiangli | Wu, Jia-Rung | Lee, Beatrice | Chan, Fong | Bezyak, Jill | Grenawalt, Teresa Ann | Tansey, Timothy N.

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the measurement structure of the Abbreviated Disability Inclusion Scale . METHODS: Exploratory factor analysis results indicated a two-factor measurement structure (disability inclusion climate and disability inclusion preparedness). CONCLUSION: Higher levels of disability inclusion were found to be associated with lower levels of employer stigma. The Abbreviated Disability Inclusion Scale can be used as part of an assessment battery in demand-side employment research for model testing, as well as an outcome measure in intervention research.

Keywords: Demand-side employment, disability inclusion and diversity, employer stigma

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180972

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 265-271, 2018