Research Database: Article Details
| Citation: | Stevenson, B.J., Thrower, S.J., Mueller, L., & Kelly, M.M. (2021). Vocational identity of veterans with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 55 (2), 147-155. |
| Title: | Vocational identity of veterans with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders |
| Authors: | Stevenson, B.J., Thrower, S.J., Mueller, L., & Kelly, M.M. |
| Year: | 2021 |
| Journal/Publication: | Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Publisher: | IOS Press |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-211153 |
| Full text: | https://content.iospress.com/journals/journal-of-vocational-rehabil... |
| Peer-reviewed? | Yes |
| NIDILRR-funded? | Yes |
Structured abstract:
| Background: | No studies have examined vocational identity among individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. |
| Purpose: | Influenced by Blustein’s relational theory of working (2011), this study examined the relationships between several social-environmental variables (external/relational conflicts, employment barriers, substance abuse stigma) and vocational identity. |
| Data collection and analysis: | Eighty-four veterans receiving treatment from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders participated in this survey study. |
| Findings: | Education, employment, clinical, disability, and substance abuse factors were not associated with vocational identity, but external/relational conflicts, employment barriers, and substance abuse stigma were. Multiple regression analysis found that these variables accounted for 34%of the variance in vocational identity and that external/relational conflicts was the only significant predictor. |
| Conclusions: | Findings suggest that more conflictual messages about work from external/relational sources is related to less clarity around one’s vocational interests, goals, and talents. |
| Disabilities served: |
Alcohol and drug abuse Chronic mental illness Multiple disabilities |
| Populations served: |
Veterans |
| Interventions: |
Vocational rehabilitation |