Affiliations: Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue
University Indianapolis, IN, USA | Supported Employment Consultation and Training Center,
Anderson, IN, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: John H. McGrew, Department of
Psychology, LD 126F, Indiana University--Purdue University Indianapolis,
Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. Tel.: +1 317 274 8672; Fax: +1 317 274 6756;
E-mail: jmcgrew@iupui.edu
Abstract: Although supported employment (SE) helps most individuals with
mental illness find employment, many continue to face significant barriers to
achieving their vocational goals. In this 12-month prospective study, consumer
perceptions of illness-related (e.g., medication side effects) and
common (e.g., transportation) barriers to employment were assessed in relation
to work and rehabilitation outcomes. At the time of SE enrollment, endorsement
of illness-related barriers correlated negatively with hopefulness and
quality of life, whereas endorsement of common barriers correlated
negatively with clinician ratings of independent functioning. Both total
barriers and common barriers correlated negatively with later employment
attainment.
