Stress, coping and the job search process: the experience of people with psychiatric disabilities in supported employment

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Krupa, Terry^; | Lagarde, Majka | Carmichael, Karin | Hougham, Bruce | Stewart, Herb

Affiliations: School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6 | Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Kingston Psychiatric Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada | Rehabilitation Services, Adult Treatment and Rehabilitation Program, Kingston Psychiatric Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 613 5456236, fax: + 1 613 5456776. e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Ten people with psychiatric disabilities and their supported employment coordinators responded to a standardized, open-ended interview about the stresses experienced during the job search process and the coping strategies used to deal with these stresses. The stress inherent in the potential for rejection and negative valuation was a major theme. The respondents described both problem based and emotion focused coping strategies. The people with psychiatric disabilities also identified cognitive strategies they employ to maintain their motivation and ego integrity. While these cognitive strategies are used to neutralize the impact of a stress, they can be a source of tension within the rehabilitation relationship. Current conceptualizations may not adequately address the struggles inherent in the job search process.

Keywords: Psychiatric rehabilitation, Employment, Job search, Stress and coping

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1998-11205

Journal: Work, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 155-162, 1998