The prediction of psychiatric patient's work adjustment in the community

Five aspects of patients' work behaviour were assessed by supervisors in a rehabilitation unit. The assessments involved task competence, response to supervision, relationships with other patients, motivation and enthusiasm, and confidence-initiative. These assessments were compared with work adjustment after discharge, and also with intelligence, personality, chronicity and age. All aspects of work behaviour correlated with work success in the community. Predictions based on both the workshop and clerical assessments were very accurate, and the predictions of outcome were better for the clerical than the "manual" patients. Work behaviour was, in general, unrelated to intelligence, personality, age and chronicity, though there were specific exceptions to this trend. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.