Examining differences in developmental work personality across disability category: Implications for individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the differences in levels of work personality for persons with psychiatric disabilities compared to persons with other types of disabilities.


METHODS
Seventy one adults eligible to receive Vocational Rehabilitation services participated; 30 reported a physical disability, 26 reported a psychiatric disability, and 15 reported a learning disability.


METHODS
Eligible participants were recruited through VR offices and volunteered to participate.


RESULTS
Results indicate that persons with psychiatric disabilities scored significantly lower on the Work Task and Social Skills subscales of the Developmental Work Personality Scale (DWPS) when compared to individuals with physical disabilities, but scored higher than individuals with physical and learning disabilities on the Role Model subscale.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study provide some initial clarity regarding developmental work personality differences among three broad categories of disability. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Counseling Psychology and Rehabilitation Services, 312 CEDAR Bldg, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. dmo11@psu.edu
Deirdre
D
O'Sullivan
David R
DR
Strauser
Alex W K
AW
Wong
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000592:standards; D012919:Social Behavior; D012951:Socialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D000078329:Workforce; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology