Affiliations: Connecticut VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT,
USA | Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT,
USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Gary Bryson, Psy.D., Psychology Service,
116 B, VACHS, 950 Cambell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516, USA. Tel.: +1 203 932 5711
X 224; Fax: +1 203 937 4883; E-mail: Bryson.Gary_J@West-Haven.VA.GOV
Abstract: Vocational rehabilitation in schizophrenia has begun to attract
research interest. Most of the research focuses on models of vocational service
delivery. These studies emphasize global work outcomes and rarely address the
more elemental abilities that affect these global outcomes. This study reports
on a sample of 146 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
as they progressed through a six-month work rehabilitation program.
Participants' work was evaluated biweekly using the Work Behavior Inventory.
This rating instrument, which combines behavioral observation and interview
methods, generates ratings in five specific work domains (Work Habits, Work
Quality, Cooperativeness, Personal Presentation, and Social Skills) as well as
a Total rating. Results indicate that nearly three quarters (74%) of the
sample improved or became proficient in at least one work domain. Work Quality
was the domain most likely to improve, while Cooperativeness was the domain
most likely to reach a proficient level of performance. Work Quality, Work
Habits, and Personal Presentation showed rapid improvement over the first 13
weeks with only modest gains in the second 13 weeks. Cooperativeness and Social
Skills showed more gradual, continuous improvement over the entire six months
while improvements in all domains were related to the number of weeks
participants were involved in the program.
Keywords: schizophrenia, work therapy, social skills
