Work - Volume 45, issue 1

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131605

Citation: Work, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 1-1, 2013

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131632

Citation: Work, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 3-4, 2013

Authors: Aldrich, Rebecca M. | Dickie, Virginia A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This paper presents daily routine as a justice-related concern for unemployed people, based on an ethnographic study of discouraged workers. PARTICIPANTS: Four women and one man who wanted to work but had ceased searching for jobs, and 25 community members whose jobs served the unemployed community, participated in the study. METHODS: Ethnographic methodology – including participant observation, semi-structured and unstructured interviews, and document reviews – and the Occupational Questionnaire were used …to gather data for 10 months in a rural North Carolina town. Data analysis included open and focused coding via the Atlas.ti software as well as participant review of findings and writings. RESULTS: Routines need to be seen as negotiated, resource-driven products of experience rather than automatic structures for daily living. Scholars and practitioners must acknowledge that the presence or absence of routine not only relates to resource use but also influences unemployed people's occupational possibilities. CONCLUSIONS: To address unjust expectations about unemployed people's occupational possibilities, scholars must examine the uncertain, negotiated nature of daily routine and its function as a foundation for occupational engagement. Thus, it may be helpful to view routine as both a prerequisite of occupation and a way that existing occupations are organized. Show more

Keywords: Unemployment, occupational justice, time use

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131596

Citation: Work, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 5-15, 2013

Authors: Sienkiewicz, Holly C. | Mauceri, Kelly G. | Howell, Emma Catherine | Bibeau, Daniel L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to elucidate a comprehensive understanding of the pre-migration expectations and current realities of refugees resettled in the United States (U.S). Employment expectations and the current work situations experienced by African refugee populations recently resettled in Greensboro, NC are examined. PARTICIPANTS: Ten French-speaking refugees of African descent who had resided in Central North Carolina for less than three years were selected to participate. METHODS: A phenomenological …approach was used; semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in spring 2010. Interviews needing interpretation were translated throughout the course of the interview in real time. All interviews were transcribed verbatim or word for word. RESULTS: All participants expected to find work in their fields with relative ease, but were either unemployed or under-employed compared to their professional training and/or previous occupation in their country of origin at the time of their interview. Emergent themes from the interviews included financial stability, ease of finding work, identity concerns, English language comprehension, the economy, and navigating a new system. CONCLUSIONS: Refugees in this sample were not prepared for the challenges they encountered when searching for gainful employment. Their experiences appear to be common with available anecdotal evidence. Adjustments to the cultural orientation programs received prior to migration, and enhancements to social networks in addition to an increased focus on English language comprehension post-migration have the potential to positively impact employment outcomes for newly arrived refugees. Show more

Keywords: New arrivals, skill discounting, under-employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131599

Citation: Work, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 17-24, 2013

Authors: Smith, Yda J. | Stephenson, Stephanie | Gibson-Satterthwaite, Michelle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This case study sought to understand the meaning of restoring traditional weaving as an occupation among Karen women from Burma who now live in an urban city in the United States and to examine the impact of weaving on their daily lives in terms of identity, empowerment, social support, and opportunities for entrepreneurship. The story of one Karen woman, Paw Law Eh, is described. Her story exemplifies the negative consequences of restricted access to familiar and …meaningful daily activities, or "occupations", the relationship between occupation and self-identity, how participation in valued occupations can enhance social networks, and the restorative effects that are possible when engagement in meaningful occupations are maintained or restored. Her story demonstrates that occupational therapists have the skills and opportunity to contribute significantly to the well-being of Karen women by supporting the restoration of the occupation of weaving. Show more

Keywords: Occupation, occupational deprivation, self-identity, empowerment, entrepreneurship

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131600

Citation: Work, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 25-30, 2013

Authors: Nygren, Ulla | Markström, Urban | Bernspång, Birgitta | Svensson, Bengt | Hansson, Lars | Sandlund, Mikael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: People with disabilities find it harder to enter the labour market than people without disabilities and those with a mental illness are, in relation to people with other disabilities, employed at an essentially lower extent. Many are effectively helped by the vocational rehabilitation model Individual Placement and Support (IPS), but there are still many individuals left in undesired unemployment. This study investigates potential predictors of the vocational outcomes of a one-year follow up of IPS …in the north of Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were 65 men and women, mostly younger than 30 years of age diagnosed with a mental illness (predominantly with a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression). METHODS: Baseline data related to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the client, the client's own perceptions of every day living and participation, self-esteem and quality of life, as well as the quantity of employment support, were investigated using analyses of logistic regression. RESULTS: Of three identified potential predictors, only psychiatric symptoms remained significant in the multivariate logistic regression analyses. A lower level of symptoms increased the odds with 5.5 for gaining employment during one year. CONCLUSIONS: Careful investigation of how psychiatric symptoms influence clients' occupational performance is of importance. By understanding essential aspects of the relationships between the clients' individual characteristics, the rehabilitation context and the vocational outcomes, more appropriate and effective interventions may be offered to the individual client. Show more

Keywords: Psychiatric rehabilitation, social psychiatry, psychiatric symptoms, clients' perceptions, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131598

Citation: Work, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 31-39, 2013

Authors: Hansen, Anne Marie Witchger

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This article presents a service learning pedagogy whereby students develop the skills of an evidence-based practice scholar committed to occupational justice as a means to transform occupational therapy practice, their clients, themselves and the world. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-four fourth year occupational therapy students in a five-year master's program. METHODS: During a two-semester course in clinical reasoning, occupational therapy students participate in service learning with marginalized and vulnerable populations. During the fall semester, …students spend time each week observing the population and staff, and conducting a needs assessment. At the end of the fall semester, students propose a ten-week evidence-based, occupation-focused program. During the spring semester, students carry out this project with an occupational justice lens. RESULTS: Through qualitative analysis of guided reflections and a final service-learning report students identify links between clinical reasoning and occupational justice theories and practice in a community context and carryout an advocacy plan to promote justice. CONCLUSIONS: Given the opportunity to learn new skills in a natural context with a vulnerable population, students demonstrate an understanding of occupational injustices and advocate for the rights of those they serve, witnessing the resulting changes in policies and practice within the community agency and beyond. Show more

Keywords: Occupational justice, occupational therapy, service learning, practice scholarship, advocacy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131597

Citation: Work, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 41-58, 2013

Authors: Young, Justin G. | Trudeau, Matthieu B. | Odell, Dan | Marinelli, Kim | Dennerlein, Jack T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to its rapid growth in popularity, there is an imminent need for ergonomic evaluation of the touch-screen tablet computing form-factor. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess postures of the shoulders and wrists and their associated muscle activity during touch-screen tablet use. METHODS: Fifteen experienced adult tablet users completed a set of simulated software tasks on two media tablets in a total of seven user configurations. Configurations consisted …of a combination of a support condition (held with one hand, two hands or in a case), a location (on the lap or table surface), and a software task (web browsing, email, and game). Shoulder postures were measured by using an infra-red LED marker based motion analysis system, wrist postures by electro-goniometry, and shoulder (upper trapezius and anterior deltoid) and forearm (flexor carpi radialis, flexor carp ulnaris, and extensor radialis) muscle activity by surface electromyography. RESULTS: Postures and muscle activity for the wrist significantly varied across configurations and between hands, but not across the two tablets tested. Wrist extension was high for all configurations and particularly for the dominant hand when a tablet was placed on the lap (mean=38°). Software tasks involving the virtual keyboard (e-mailing) corresponded to higher wrist extensor muscle activity (50th percentile=9.5% MVC) and wrist flexion/extension acceleration (mean=322°/s^{2} ). High levels of wrist radial deviation were observed for the non-dominant hand when it was used to tilt and hold the tablet (mean=13°). Observed differences in posture and muscle activity of the shoulder were driven by tablet location. CONCLUSION: Touch-screen tablet users are exposed to extreme wrist postures that are less neutral than other computing technologies and may be at greater risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms. Tablets should be placed in cases or stands that adjust the tilt of the screen rather than supporting and tilting the tablet with only one hand. Show more

Keywords: Slate computing, media tablets, mobile computing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131604

Citation: Work, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 59-71, 2013

Authors: Owens, Kimberly S. | Kirwan, Jeral R. | Lounsbury, John W. | Levy, Jacob J. | Gibson, Lucy W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Drawing on prior occupational choice research on entrepreneurs and self-employed business owners, we examined personality predictors of their occupational business success and work satisfaction. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURES: A sample of 147 small business owners completed a web-based assessment of 14 work-related personality traits – Adaptability, Autonomy, Competitiveness, Dependability, Emotional Resilience, Goal-Setting, Optimism, Persistence, Risk Tolerance, Self-Promotion, Networking, and Tolerance for Financial Insecurity, Work-Based Locus of Control, and Work Drive …– and three self-reported indices of business success – revenue growth, profit growth, and income growth – as well as multiple facets of individual satisfaction. Criterion variables included composite business success and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: Ten traits correlated with business success. The top four personality predictors of success – Goal-Setting, Social Networking, Emotional Resilience, and Work Drive – together accounted for 16% of the variance. Similarly, 12 of 14 personality traits were positively related to overall satisfaction. The top three personality predictors of satisfaction – Optimism, Work-based Locus of Control, and Work Drive – accounted for 29% of the variability in satisfaction. An expectancy analysis revealed that the percent of participants who reported at least a 20% increase in sales and profits the preceding year was 26% versus 54% for individual scoring in the lower and upper third of a personality composite measure. CONCLUSIONS: Results carry implications for future research, and have direct, practical applications for prospective and current entrepreneurs and self-employed owners of small businesses. Show more

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, small business, work satisfaction, business success

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121536

Citation: Work, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 73-85, 2013

Authors: Prati, Gabriele | Pietrantoni, Luca | Saccinto, Elisa | Kehl, Doris | Knuth, Daniela | Schmidt, Silke

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Firefighters frequently incur injuries while providing emergency services. Risk perception has been found to be associated with injury and safety behavior. This study examined risk perception of different emergency situations among firefighters. Along with risk perceptions, we investigated the role of practical experience, perceived training, tenure, and acute stress related to different emergency situations. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were a sample of 1324 firefighters from Germany and Italy. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered …to participants on risk perceptions, practical experience, perceived training, tenure, and acute stress. RESULTS: The results showed that different levels of risk perception are related to different practical experience, acute stress reactions, and training. Higher risk perception was associated with higher perceived training, practical experience, and acute stress reactions. A significant difference was found between the German and the Italian sample in risk perceptions. More specifically the Italian sample perceived disasters (e.g., earthquakes) as more risky. Moreover, there were some differences in perceived training and practical experience about the different emergency situations, in the two samples. CONCLUSION: The results underline the importance of considering organizational factors in the prediction of risk perception among firefighters. Show more

Keywords: Rescue workers, safety, training, experience, acute stress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121543

Citation: Work, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 87-96, 2013