Affiliations: ACT Center of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN, USA | VA HSR&D; Center on Implementing Evidence-Based
Practice, Roudebush VAMC, Indianapolis, IN, USA | Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN,
USA | Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue
University Indianapolis, IN, USA | Thresholds, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Michelle P. Salyers, Ph.D.,
Roudebush VA Medical Center, 1481 W. 10th St. (11-H), Indianapolis, IN 46202,
USA. Tel.: +1 317 988 4419; Fax: +1 317 554 0114; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The current study examined success in two vocational programs by
interviewing practitioners in two philosophically different employment programs
at a psychosocial rehabilitation agency. Practitioners' views of what
constitutes success and factors facilitating success were analyzed using both
qualitative and quantitative means. In general, practitioners viewed success as
more than just obtaining a job, but maintaining employment over time and making
life changes. Success was most often attributed to consumer motivation, and
lack of success was attributed to mental health symptoms. Furthermore,
practitioners from each program tended to view success in a manner consistent
with their program's philosophy.
