Mixed methods study examining work reintegration experiences from perspectives of Veterans with mental health disorders

Abstract

Abstract-Recent findings have demonstrated that reintegration for Veterans is often challenging. One difficult aspect of reintegration-transitioning into the civilian workplace-has not been fully explored in the literature. To address this gap and examine work reintegration, this mixed methods study examined the perspectives of Veterans with mental health disorders receiving Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare. Forty Veterans rated factors that affect work success; participants also provided narratives on their most and least successful work experiences. We used t-tests and qualitative analysis to compare participants who did and did not serve in combat. Several themes relevant to work reintegration emerged in the narratives, particularly for Veterans who served in combat. An array of work difficulties were reported in the months following military discharge. In addition, Veterans who served in combat reported significantly more work barriers than Veterans who did not serve in combat, particularly health-related barriers. In conclusion, Veterans with mental health disorders who served in combat experienced more work reintegration difficulty than their counterparts who did not serve in combat. The role of being a Veteran affected how combat Veterans formed their self-concept, which also shaped their work success and community reintegration, especially during the early transition period.

Subjective Experiences of the Benefits and Key Elements of a Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Focused on Community Work Outcomes in Persons With Mental Illness

“…Furthermore, recent studies examining both patient and provider perspectives have identified low work-related confidence and low motivation as major barriers to successful work outcomes among persons with mental illness receiving SE services (Corbière et al, 2011;Kukla, et al, 2015a;. In addition, the ways in which persons with mental health disorders think about themselves and work has been qualitatively linked with community work success (Kukla et al, 2015b;Williams et al, 2016). Lastly, across qualitative studies examining employed persons with mental illness, job tenure has been associated with one's perception of competence and efficacy related to the job (Williams et al, 2016).…”

Barriers and Facilitators Related to Work Success for Veterans in Supported Employment: A Nationwide Provider Survey

“…), as they reintegrate into the civilian world after extended periods of combat deployments and active duty military involvement (13). Taken together, these circumstances suggest the need to further consider influences that may be distinctly salient to Veteran work success.…”

Go Back to the Beginning: Career Development and the Challenges of Transitioning from the Military to Civilian Employment

“…They are not only leaving the military as a job, but also as a way of life. This can also lead to a higher rate of mental health disorders [13,19], as there is a mismatch between veterans' expectations and reality. Many veterans will feel they are returning to a "normal" way of life, but in reality, due to the nature of military service and the emotional and physical scars veterans endure during their deployment, they can often feel isolated or alienated upon return to civilian life [20].…”

“…Disabilities and other factors contribute to difficulties in accessing jobs, including employer stereotyping of ex-defence personnel [12], and in turn being unable to secure employment contributes to their stress. In this context, it is important that the relationship between military service and post-service access to suitable employment is evaluated, as the concerns facing ex-defence personnel are complex, and impact a multitude of different areas in civilian life (health care, employment, disability), and therefore they require more specialist case-management services [13].…”