An application of psychology of working theory to chronic health issues: Importance of decent work

Abstract

This paper presents psychology of working theory (PWT) as a framework for addressing career concerns faced by those with chronic health issues. PWT is a relevant framework for contextualizing the lived experiences of clients navigating work and chronic illness. Specifically, individuals with chronic health conditions may face additional barriers to their career development and are at risk for higher incidences of workplace discrimination, job stress, and job loss. Core elements of PWT outlined in this paper are applied to a case study of a client with breast cancer. More specifically, the constructs of decent work, critical consciousness, and career adaptability are applied at the level of the individual and systemic interventions. Issues of equity, access, intersectionality, power, and privilege are highlighted as they relate to the context of work. We offer suggestions for advocacy for career counselors working with clients with chronic illness navigating work and careers.

Organizational support enhances nurses’ work-family enrichment: a person–context interactionist perspective

“…It was first defined by the ILO in 1999 as the sum of people’s “aspirations for opportunity and income; rights, voice and recognition; family stability and personal development; and fairness and gender equality” ( 21 ). A recent study indicates that the principles associated with decent work may alleviate chronic illness ( 22 ). Organizational support encompasses the following aspects: (1) establishing, cultivating, and enhancing social safeguards for employees, such as social security and labor protection, tailored to the specific cultural contexts of societies; (2) affirming, promoting, and ensuring the fundamental rights that underpin a workplace characterized by dignity and fairness and so on ( 23 ).…”