Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, The University of
Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 4072. Tel./Fax: +61 7
3349 9682; E-mail: [email protected]
Note: [] Corresponding author
Abstract: Loss of work capacity through illness or injury may result in loss
of employment. The transition to durable employment with those reduced
capacities poses many challenges. This paper is based on phenomenological
research into the experiences of 13 people who had a disabling injury or
chronic illness. These participants lost their capacity for their former
employment. After a period of time, extending up to 14 years, the participants
successfully changed employment in the open labor market, and retained their
current employment for 13 weeks or longer. Data from in excess of 30 hours of
in-depth semi-structured individual interviews and a focus group were
transcribed and analyzed inductively. Analysis was aided by immersion in the
data, reflections on entries in a researcher's log, and a computer program for
analyzing textual data. Eleven psychosocial themes emerged. These themes were:
pain, intense emotions, determination, financial concerns, role models,
concealment, assistance, control, self-concept, satisfaction with employment,
and personal change. Each theme is presented with representative text from
participants and implications for work rehabilitation professionals. Further
research to identify the extent of transferability of the findings is
recommended.
Keywords: durable employment, psychosocial, work capacity, phenomenology, qualitative
