An Investigation Into The Relationship Between Psychosocial Factors And Employment Outcomes In A Population Of People With Complex Mental Health Problems Receiving Individual Placement And Support

Abstract

Work is one of the most valued roles in society, offering the opportunity to create selfidentity and improve financial and social status. However, people with complex mental health problems (CMHP) are often excluded from this human right. Individual placement and support (IPS) is an effective intervention, supporting just over half of people with CMHP achieve their employment goals. Recently attention has been drawn to the efficiency of services identifying that a positive outcome is most likely to be achieved within a nine-month time frame. Identifying factors which predict success in attaining employment has been the focus of research. Findings are complex and contradictory. Psychosocial factors influence the successful attainment of employment, but are often poorly defined and overlapping, lacking a theoretical conceptualisation and accurate measurement. The research questions to be addressed by this study are: • Can psychosocial variables predict who will obtain employment or education? • Can psychosocial variables predict who will obtain employment or education within nine months, and who will take an extended period of time? A prospective cohort study utilising a secondary dataset from an established IPS service was conducted. Multiple logistic regression allowed construction of models which examine the effects of psychosocial predictors on the probability of the outcomes. Interpretation of the analysis was shared and discussed with clinicians, who are experts in their field, to ensure that findings can be considered from both a statistical significance and clinical significance position. An analysis was performed on data relating to 202 participants of an IPS service. Ability to adapt routines was a significant predictor of both goal attainment and requirement of extended intervention. This study provides evidence that while having strong work-related values are important predictors the translation of these values into lifestyle, expressed through habits and routines, provide stronger predictors of the likelihood of success in IPS.