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What leads to the expectation to return to work? Insights from a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model of future work outcomes

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Dunstan, Debra A. | Covic, Tanya | Tyson, Graham A.

Affiliations: Discipline of Psychology, School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, Australia | School of Psychology, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, Australia | School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Debra A. Dunstan, Discipline of Psychology, School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale 2351, Australia. Tel.: +61 2 6773 3764; Fax: +61 2 6773 3820; E-mail: ddunstan@une.edu.au

Keywords: Work disability, modified work, co-worker support

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1481

Journal: Work, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 25-37, 2013

Received 8 November 2011
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Accepted 7 August 2012
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Published: 2013
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study used a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model to identify the factors influencing the future work expectations and outcomes of employees with a musculoskeletal injury.

PARTICIPANTS: Australians with a compensable work injury (N=174), mean age=43.7 years, 53.2% male, 48.3% back injury , and 34.2% unskilled.

METHODS: A TPB model of the target behavior 'working, or continuing to work … three months from now' was constructed. A questionnaire measuring the model's components was completed at baseline and three-months follow-up.

RESULTS: The model met standard psychometric requirements. Attitude, Subjective Norm and Perceived Behavioral Control explained 76% of the variance in Behavioral Intention ([TeX:] R^{2}= 0.76, p< 0.001). Behavioral Intention (the expectation to return to work) explained 51% of the variance in work participation at follow-up (Nagelkerke [TeX:] R^{2}=0.51, p< 0.001; sensitivity=86.4%, specificity=71.2%). The strength of key influences on expectations varied according to employment status, but included the availability of modified duties, social aspects of work, the opinion of the treating doctor, co-worker support, pain, and functional limitations.

CONCLUSION: The TPG is a useful model and conceptual framework for integrating the biopsychosocial determinants of return to work (RTW) and identifying the influences on future work expectations and outcomes.

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