Determinants of wanting to seek full versus part-time paid employment among people with severe mental illness

C. D. Rice, L. Howard, M. Leese, M. Jarrett, G. Thornicroft

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background:Most people with severe mental illness are not in paid employment. The cost is high, economically and in terms of social exclusion. Aim:To investigate the number of weekly hours that such people want to be in competitive paid employment and the reasons why. Methods:Baseline clinical and demographic data were analysed for 219 people with severe mental illness participating in an RCT of supported employment in London, England. Results:Self-esteem, quality of life, symptom severity and general level of functioning did not largely explain wanting part or full-time work. The latter was significantly associated with having more unmet needs (p=0.01) and not receiving Incapacity Benefit and/or Income Support (p=0.04). However, 31 (55/178) of those receiving these benefits did want full-time work, desiring a significantly higher rate of pay than those wanting to work up to 16 hours or 17 to 34 hours per week (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Conclusions:A sizeable proportion of people with severe mental illness would consider working full-time, potentially overcoming the benefits trap in achieving this. This is contrary to the commonly held belief that such clients only want part-time work.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)424-432
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Mental Health
Volume18
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2009

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Supported by the Wellcome Trust, Kings Fund and SLaM Trustees.

Keywords

  • Employment
  • Severe mental illness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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