The Role of Work-Related Self-Efficacy in Assertive Community Treatment

Abstract

ObjectiveAssertive community treatment (ACT) is an evidence-based practice that increases community integration for people living with serious mental illness. Additionally, the multidisciplinary ACT model contains a vocational component. The current study will assess whether work-related self-efficacy is predictive of ACT consumers engaging in career-oriented activities.MethodsSixty-eight participants enrolled in ACT met with research staff. Demographic information and data on their level of work-related self-efficacy, psychiatric symptoms, their current employment status, and whether they were enrolled in an educational or training program were collected.ResultsNineteen participants or 19% were engaged in career-oriented activities. Additionally, the findings showed that work-related self-efficacy was a significant predictor of career-oriented activities, Wald χ2= 5.9,p= .016, with a Nagelkerker2= .23, while psychiatric symptoms were not a significant predictor.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the SCCT variable work-related self-efficacy is predictive of career-oriented activities among a sample of ACT participants who have a range of interest in pursuing employment and other career-related activities.