Improving Work Ability of Mentally Burdened Emerging Adults in Vocational Integration Programs: A Study Protocol

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Emerging adults not transitioning from compulsory to upper secondary education face heightened mental illness risk.
• Timely intervention is crucial to prevent chronification and negative impacts on professional/personal development.
• Existing vocational programs often lack mental health support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel intervention integrating psychotherapy into vocational programs for at-risk emerging adults.
• To assess the feasibility and potential for a full-scale clinical trial of this intervention.
• To improve work ability, mental health literacy, and overall mental health in participants aged 16-29.

Main Methods:

• A single-group clinical trial design will be employed.
• Participants (emerging adults aged 16-29) will receive the intervention alongside regular vocational integration.
• Primary outcomes (work ability, mental health literacy, mental health) measured pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Data collection includes demographic information, vocational biography, and intervention satisfaction.
• Questionnaire data will be analyzed at multiple time points to assess changes.
• Study registered (NCT03328286) and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Canton of Zurich.

Conclusions:

• The study aims to provide evidence for an effective, integrated approach to support emerging adults' mental health and vocational success.
• Findings will inform the design of future large-scale clinical trials for this population.
• Successful implementation could reduce long-term mental illness burden and improve life trajectories.