Predictors of successful job finding in psychiatric vocational rehabilitation: An expert panel study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand the central focuses of work assessment in psychiatric vocational rehabilitation (PVR). Employing the RAND/UCLA panel method and multiple linear regressions, we analyzed the insights of experienced professionals to identify which client characteristics are key to the successful completion of vocational rehabilitation programs, aimed at integration into competitive jobs. It was found that successful job finding was predicted most strongly by better functioning in terms of generic work performance, followed by less severe psychiatric symptoms, better self-insight, a perceived need for change, and an ability to cope with work pressure. Basic social functioning, work history and acceptance of guidance were not identified as predictors. A next step would be empirical research in practice settings, systematically gauging the relative importance of the predictors identified here and elsewhere, as well as testing how useful it could be to base assessment in PVR on a crucial set of personal-level characteristics.