An investigation of work and unemployment among psychiatric clients

Employment and work can have a positive effect on mental health by providing opportunities for skill development, social contact, self-esteem, and income. Unemployment is a source of anxiety, stress, and depression. At the same time work can be a major source of stress by decreasing opportunities for control and autonomy. This article examines the role of work and unemployment and the relationship of work status to other indicators of community adjustment among a sample of 68 psychiatric clients in outpatient treatment. Comparisons are made between clients who are not working or seeking work, those who are unemployed and seeking work, and those who are currently working. Regression analysis is then used to examine the effect of work status on other indicators of community adjustment: psychiatric symptoms, functioning, social integration, stress, and mental hospitalizations. Working clients are more likely to be male and younger and to have had previous work experience. Working is related to higher levels of functioning in the community, while unemployment is positively related to stress. Work status was not related to social integration, indicating that work may be an alternative source of social support and should receive separate attention in assessments of community adjustment and integration.