title: 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. Using 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. CBT for Work Success 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.
authors.affiliation: *HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center; †Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; ‡Roudebush VA Medical Center; §ACT Center of Indiana; ∥Department of Anthropology, Indiana University; and ¶Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kukla
authors.forename: Amy M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Strasburger
authors.forename: Michelle P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Salyers
authors.forename: Nicholas A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Rattray
authors.forename: Paul H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Lysaker
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D014728:Veterans