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A supported education program for young adults with long-term mental illness
K V Unger1, W A Anthony, K Sciarappa
1Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Sargent College of Allied Health Professions, Boston University, Massachusetts 02215.
Hospital & Community Psychiatry
|August 1, 1991
Summary
A university-based supported education program significantly improved employment and educational outcomes for young adults with severe psychiatric disabilities. The program also reduced hospitalizations and boosted self-esteem, suggesting its value in rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Higher Education
Background:
- Severe psychiatric disabilities present significant challenges to education and employment.
- Traditional rehabilitation services may not fully address the holistic needs of young adults with psychiatric disabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a university-based supported education program for young adults with severe psychiatric disabilities.
- To assess the program's impact on career plan implementation, employment, education, hospitalizations, and self-esteem.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 52 young adults with severe psychiatric disabilities participated in a four-semester supported education program.
- Outcomes were measured before and after the intervention, including competitive employment, educational enrollment, hospitalization rates, and self-esteem.
Main Results:
- Post-intervention, 42% of participants were competitively employed or in educational programs, up from 19% pre-intervention.
- A significant decrease in hospitalizations was observed during the first year of the program.
- Participants reported a significant increase in self-esteem.
Conclusions:
- University-based supported education programs can be effective in enhancing vocational and educational outcomes for young adults with severe psychiatric disabilities.
- Such programs may serve as a valuable supplement to traditional rehabilitation services.
- The findings support the integration of supported education within campus environments for psychiatric rehabilitation.