| Citation: |
Cotner, B.A., Keleher, J., O’Connor, D.R., Trainor, J.K., & Ottomanelli, L. (2013). The role of social networks for veterans with spinal cord injury in obtaining employment.
Annals of Anthropological Practice, 37
(2),
40-56.
|
| Title: |
The role of social networks for veterans with spinal cord injury in obtaining employment |
| Authors: |
Cotner, B.A., Keleher, J., O’Connor, D.R., Trainor, J.K., & Ottomanelli, L. |
| Year: |
2013 |
|
Journal/Publication:
|
Annals of Anthropological Practice |
| Publisher: |
American Anthropological Association |
| Full text: |
http://proxy.library.vcu.edu/login?url=http://onlinelibrary.wiley.c...
|
| Peer-reviewed? |
Yes
|
| NIDILRR-funded? |
No
|
|
Research design:
|
Qualitative research
|
| Background: |
The role of social support in well-being and quality of life is well documented. Its role in occupation is less documented. Social support may be crucial for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who face additional barriers to employment. A large population group with SCI such as veterans would provide an opportunity to explore this issue. |
|
Purpose:
|
The purpose of this article was to explore the types of social support that are provided to veterans with SCI participating in an employment program. |
|
Setting:
|
Participating sites were from a geographically diverse sample across the United States. |
|
Study sample: |
The sample consisted of 66 veterans with SCI that all met the following criteria: (1) under the age of 65, (2) be unemployed at the time of enrollment, (3) live within 100 miles of a SCI center, and (4) desire competitive employment. |
|
Data collection and analysis:
|
Open ended, semi structured interviews were conducted with all of the participants. Social supports provided to veterans were grouped into three categories: instrumental, informational, and emotional. |
|
Findings:
|
The results showed that support from rehabilitation services and people in their lives helped the veterans obtain employment. |
|
Conclusions:
|
These findings demonstrate the importance of social support to finding employment. |
