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

Abstract

New research suggests that group-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help improve employment outcomes in persons with mental illness, yet the effects and potential key elements facilitating change in such interventions are unclear. Utilizing a mixed methods approach, this study examined the perspectives of persons with mental illness after participating in a pilot study of the "CBT for Work Success" intervention. Findings demonstrate that participants valued the intervention and perceived that it assisted them in achieving work goals. Therapeutic effects included improved self-efficacy, work motivation, enhanced sense of self as workers, and increased beliefs that work success is attainable. CBTw elements perceived to be important in facilitating work goals included cognitive restructuring, behavioral coping strategies, problem solving work barriers, meaningful reflection on oneself as a worker, and important factors associated with the group process. The authors discuss the implications of these findings and future research directions.

A Pilot Test of Group Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Augment Vocational Services for Persons With Serious Mental Illness

“…These findings build upon the results of the developmental pilot of CBTw, in which it was found that persons with SMI engaged in CBTw, were highly satisfied with it, and perceived that it helped them move toward their work goals in the community (Kukla, Strasburger, et al, 2016;Kukla, Strasburger, Salyers, Rattray, & Lysaker, 2017). The current results add to this knowledge by further demonstrating the feasibility of the intervention in a larger sample of people with SMI and by examining preliminary work outcomes.…”

Psychosocial outcomes of a pilot study of work‐tailored cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for adults with serious mental illness

“…Improvement in recovery attitudes may also link to aspects of the intervention that allow participants to think more deeply about themselves and consider their recovery, in light of personal goals and values. This interpretation is consistent with qualitative results in which an earlier cohort of people with SMI received CBTw and described intervention benefits in their own words, emphasizing the opportunity to think and learn important insights about themselves and clarify their goals and priorities for the future (Kukla, Strasburger, Salyers, Rattray, & Lysaker, 2017).…”

Vocational Service Models and Approaches to Improve Job Tenure of People With Severe and Enduring Mental Illness: A Narrative Review

“…Although there was no control group in this study, a slightly larger proportion attained employment than in their usual supported employment program alone (43 vs. 33%). Also, participants perceived that the CBT for Work Success program supported them to achieve their work goals (48). Given participants in this study were described as "non-responders" to supported employment alone since they had not gained employment after more than 12 months in the program, this suggests the program may be beneficial to augment supported employment, especially for those facing more barriers to securing employment.…”