Journal Article Details

Citation:
Porter, S., Lexén, A., & Bejerholm, U. (2019). Mental health literacy among vocational rehabilitation professionals and their perception of employers in the return-to-work process. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 50 (2), 157-169.
Title:
Mental health literacy among vocational rehabilitation professionals and their perception of employers in the return-to-work process
Authors:
Porter, S., Lexén, A., & Bejerholm, U.
Year:
2019
Journal/Publication: 
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:
IOS Press
DOI:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded? 
No
Research design:
Qualitative research

Structured abstract:

Background:
Individuals with mental health problems often need support from vocational rehabilitation professionals in their return-to-work (RTW) process. Research has shown that this support can be deficient, with vocational rehabilitation professionals lacking relevant knowledge and an underlying belief in the individual’s ability to resume a working life. More understanding is therefore needed of professionals’ mental health literacy and their perception of and influence on employer roles in the RTW process.
Purpose:
To explore the mental health literacy of Swedish vocational rehabilitation professionals and their perception of employers in the RTW process.
Data collection & analysis:
Qualitative grounded theory study which included 22 interviews of vocational rehabilitation professionals working with individuals with mental health problems in their RTW process.
Findings:
Three categories emerged: holding a position of power in the RTW process, viewing and believing in individuals’ work ability plays a central role, and recognizing the employer’s role as a key factor for realizing employment.
Conclusions:
Increasing the mental health literacy of vocational rehabilitation professionals is crucial since they have a decisive role with both clients and employers in the RTW process.
Disabilities served:
Anxiety disorder
Bi-polar
Chronic mental illness
Depression
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Personality disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Schizophrenia
Interventions:
Supported employment
Vocational rehabilitation
Outcomes:
Return to work