Evaluation of self-esteem as a worker for people with severe mental disorders

Abstract

Self-esteem plays an important role in the recovery, particularly the work integration, of people with severe mental disorders. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, a widely used instrument that taps into global self-esteem, has been adapted to specifically assess self-esteem as a worker. The present study aimed at validating the Rosenberg Self-Esteem as a Worker Scale and determining its sensitivity to change in people with severe mental disorders registered in Supported Employment programs. An exploratory factor analysis showed two emerging factors later supported by a confirmatory factor analyses. The first subscale was named "Individual Self-Esteem as a Worker", and the second subscale, was entitled "Social Self-Esteem as a Worker". A subsequent MANCOVA further showed that the past work experience has a significant main effect on the Individual Self-Esteem as a Worker subscale. Furthermore, results revealed that only the Individual Self-Esteem as a Worker subscale changes significantly when people obtain employment. Finally, work satisfaction and particularly items related to satisfaction regarding the supervisor were significantly related to the Individual Self-Esteem as a Worker subscale. Avenues of research are discussed concerning the crucial role of the supervisor in improving the self-esteem as a worker and the work integration of people with severe mental disorders.