1
|
Brouwers EPM, Bergijk M, van Weeghel J, Detaille S, Dewinter J. What is the Meaning of Paid Employment for Well-Being? A Focus Group Study on Differences and Similarities Between Autistic Adults With and Without Employment. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2024; 34:415-424. [PMID: 37749451 PMCID: PMC11180150 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10136-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to explore the meaning of work for the subjective well-being of autistic adults with and without paid (competitive) employment and to evaluate the differences and similarities between these groups. METHODS Eight focus groups were conducted, including a total of 64 autistic adults. Four groups entailed participants with current paid employment (including part-time) and four groups entailed participants without paid employment. All discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim to enable inductive thematic content analysis. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti 9. RESULTS Generally, both groups viewed paid employment as very important for well-being, albeit for different reasons. Three themes were found: (1) Not having paid employment was associated with lacking societal recognition, and subsequent low self-esteem, which was a dominant theme in those without work; (2) Work can seriously damage (mental) health and well-being, found in both groups; and (3) Paid employment provides many benefits for well-being, with subthemes: 'purpose,' 'social contacts,' 'growth and use of talents,' 'structure and calmness,' and 'income and freedom', which was a dominant theme in those with paid employment. CONCLUSIONS Both groups found paid employment highly important for their well-being, albeit for different reasons. However, both also agreed that paid employment can be very harmful to (mental) health and well-being. Suitable, well-supported jobs are important for well-being, may help to buffer stress in other life areas, and may even prevent autistic burnout. More studies are needed on how healthy jobs can be created where autistic individuals get positive energy and experience high well-being. This will also help to reduce socio-economic inequality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelien P M Brouwers
- Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
- Tilburg School for Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
| | - Michel Bergijk
- Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap van Weeghel
- Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Detaille
- HAN University of Applied Sciences, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Dewinter
- Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- GGzE Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Patel SR, La Fleur R, Margolies PJ, Simpson HB, Dixon LB, Myers RW, Bond GR, Drake RE. Evidence-Based Supported Employment for Individuals With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Psychiatr Serv 2024; 75:381-383. [PMID: 38018152 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20230075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a chronic and disabling psychiatric disorder, experience high rates of occupational impairment. OCD symptoms commonly affect individuals' vocational aspirations and result in disability and the need for financial support, problems that are not addressed by current clinical practice guideline recommendations for treating OCD. This Open Forum highlights the need to address occupational impairment caused by OCD and makes the case for formally evaluating whether evidence-based supported employment can help individuals with OCD find and succeed in meaningful work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sapana R Patel
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Patel, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon, Drake); Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Patel, La Fleur, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Myers); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Bond, Drake)
| | - Rhea La Fleur
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Patel, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon, Drake); Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Patel, La Fleur, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Myers); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Bond, Drake)
| | - Paul J Margolies
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Patel, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon, Drake); Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Patel, La Fleur, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Myers); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Bond, Drake)
| | - H Blair Simpson
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Patel, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon, Drake); Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Patel, La Fleur, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Myers); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Bond, Drake)
| | - Lisa B Dixon
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Patel, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon, Drake); Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Patel, La Fleur, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Myers); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Bond, Drake)
| | - Robert W Myers
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Patel, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon, Drake); Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Patel, La Fleur, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Myers); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Bond, Drake)
| | - Gary R Bond
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Patel, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon, Drake); Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Patel, La Fleur, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Myers); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Bond, Drake)
| | - Robert E Drake
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Patel, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon, Drake); Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Patel, La Fleur, Margolies, Simpson, Dixon); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Myers); Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Bond, Drake)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Drake RE, Bond GR. Individual placement and support: History, current status, and future directions. PCN REPORTS : PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES 2023; 2:e122. [PMID: 38867819 PMCID: PMC11114326 DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Over the past three decades, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) has emerged as a robust evidence-based approach to helping people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, to obtain and succeed in competitive employment. This review addresses the history, principles, research, and future directions of IPS. It covers current evidence on employment outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and nonvocational outcomes. It also describes current attempts to extend IPS to new populations. The authors provide an overview of numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials involving people with serious mental illness. For studies addressing nonvocational outcomes and new populations, the review uses best available evidence. Published reviews agree that IPS enables patients with serious mental illness in high-income countries to succeed in competitive employment at a higher rate than patients who receive other vocational interventions. Within IPS programs, quality of implementation, measured by standardized fidelity scales, correlates with better outcomes. Employment itself leads to enhanced income, psychosocial outcomes, clinical improvements, and decreased mental health service use. As IPS steadily spreads to new populations and new settings, research is active across high-income countries and spreading slowly to middle-income countries. IPS is an evidence-based practice for people with serious mental illness in high-income countries. It shows promise to help other disability groups also, and emerging research aims to clarify adaptations and outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert E. Drake
- Department of PsychiatryColumbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsNew York CityNew YorkUSA
- Westat CorporationRockvilleMarylandUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Curnow E, Rutherford M, Maciver D, Johnston L, Prior S, Boilson M, Shah P, Jenkins N, Meff T. Mental health in autistic adults: A rapid review of prevalence of psychiatric disorders and umbrella review of the effectiveness of interventions within a neurodiversity informed perspective. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288275. [PMID: 37440543 PMCID: PMC10343158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic adults have high risk of mental ill-health and some available interventions have been associated with increased psychiatric diagnoses. Understanding prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses is important to inform the development of individualised treatment and support for autistic adults which have been identified as a research priority by the autistic community. Interventions require to be evaluated both in terms of effectiveness and regarding their acceptability to the autistic community. OBJECTIVE This rapid review identified the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in autistic adults, then systematic reviews of interventions aimed at supporting autistic adults were examined. A rapid review of prevalence studies was completed concurrently with an umbrella review of interventions. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, including protocol registration (PROSPERO#CRD42021283570). DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA English language; published 2011-2022; primary studies describing prevalence of psychiatric conditions in autistic adults; or systematic reviews evaluating interventions for autistic adults. APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS Bias was assessed using the Prevalence Critical Appraisal Instrument and AMSTAR2. Prevalence was grouped according to psychiatric diagnosis. Interventions were grouped into pharmacological, employment, psychological or mixed therapies. Strength of evidence for interventions was assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Autistic researchers within the team supported interpretation. RESULTS Twenty prevalence studies were identified. Many included small sample sizes or failed to compare their sample group with the general population reducing validity. Prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses was variable with prevalence of any psychiatric diagnosis ranging from 15.4% to 79%. Heterogeneity was associated with age, diagnosis method, sampling methods, and country. Thirty-two systematic reviews of interventions were identified. Four reviews were high quality, four were moderate, five were low and nineteen critically low, indicating bias. Following synthesis, no intervention was rated as 'evidence based.' Acceptability of interventions to autistic adults and priorities of autistic adults were often not considered. CONCLUSIONS There is some understanding of the scope of mental ill-health in autism, but interventions are not tailored to the needs of autistic adults, not evidence based, and may focus on promoting neurotypical behaviours rather than the priorities of autistic people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Curnow
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Marion Rutherford
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Donald Maciver
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Johnston
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Additional Support for Learning Service, Communities and Families, City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Prior
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Boilson
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, Lynebank Hospital, Dunfermline, Fife, United Kingdom
| | - Premal Shah
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- General Adult Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Jenkins
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsin Meff
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bond GR, Mascayano F, Metcalfe JD, Riley J, Drake RE. Access, retention, and effectiveness of individual placement and support in the US: Are there racial or ethnic differences? JOURNAL OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023. [DOI: 10.3233/jvr-230007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Increased federal attention to advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities suggests the need for data on racial and ethnic differences in evidence-based employment services for people with serious mental illness. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based model of supported employment for this population. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to identify differences based on race and ethnicity in IPS services. METHODS: This narrative review examined the empirical literature on IPS services in the U.S., assessing evidence of differences in access, retention, and outcomes for Black and Hispanic IPS clients, relative to non-Hispanic Whites. RESULTS: We identified 12 studies examining racial and ethnic differences in access (4 studies), retention (3 studies), and effectiveness (6 studies). The findings for access to IPS were mixed, with two studies showing no differences, one finding less access for Blacks, and another finding greater access for Blacks but less access for Hispanics. Three studies found better retention rates for clients enrolled in IPS regardless of race or ethnicity. Compared to clients receiving usual vocational services, all studies found better employment outcomes for IPS clients regardless of race or ethnicity. CONCLUSION: Unlike for most of health care, few racial and ethnic differences have been found for IPS employment services in the U.S. Access to IPS is inadequate for all groups, with conflicting evidence whether Blacks and Hispanics have even less access. Based on the available evidence, Black and Hispanic clients have comparable retention and employment outcomes in IPS as non-Hispanic White clients. State and local mental health leaders responsible for monitoring IPS outcomes should routinely report statistics on race and ethnicity. They should also give active attention to client needs and equity. Research designs should answer multifaceted questions regarding disparities for historically underserved populations.
Collapse
|