What makes the difference? Practitioner views of success and failure in two effective psychiatric rehabilitation approaches

Abstract

The current study examined success in two vocational programs by interviewing practitioners in two philosophically different employment programs at a psychosocial rehabilitation agency. Practitioners' views of what constitutes success and factors facilitating success were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative means. In general, practitioners viewed success as more than just obtaining a job, but maintaining employment over time and making life changes. Success was most often attributed to consumer motivation, and lack of success was attributed to mental health symptoms. Furthermore, practitioners from each program tended to view success in a manner consistent with their program's philosophy.