Journal 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:
Full text:
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 & 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