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01-12-2013 | Brief Report

Readiness for Employment: Perceptions of Mental Health Service Users

Authors: Susan Prior, Donald Maciver, Kirsty Forsyth, Mike Walsh, Alison Meiklejohn, Linda Irvine

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 6/2013

Abstract

Work is good for both physical and mental health, and access to work is a basic human right. People with mental health conditions want to work and with the right support can work but are often excluded from the workplace. We explored factors influencing individual’s perceptions of their readiness for employment. Participants’ narratives focused particularly on personal causation and it’s inter-reactions with other aspects of volition, habituation and the environment and highlight a number of key areas, which are discussed in relation to service provision. Sheltered workshops offer support and some structure and routine but may limit an individual’s readiness for employment. Services should be evidence based and focused on real work opportunities which fit with individual’s interests and values. Occupational therapy theory offers a unique and valuable perspective in understanding perceptions of readiness for employment and occupational therapists offer valid and useful assessments and interventions for vocational rehabilitation.

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Title: Readiness for Employment: Perceptions of Mental Health Service Users
Authors: Susan Prior
Donald Maciver
Kirsty Forsyth
Mike Walsh
Alison Meiklejohn
Linda Irvine
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 6/2013
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-012-9576-0

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Readiness for Employment: Perceptions of Mental Health Service Users

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