Predicting employment outcomes for people with chronic psychiatric illness

This study investigates the factors that contribute to successful employment of people with chronic psychiatric illness in Hong Kong, and to develop a statistical model that can predict their employment outcomes. Sixty-two clients from three psychosocial rehabilitation programmes were rated by their case therapists on their psychiatric history, mental condition, independent living skills, work performance, and social performance. Employment outcome is measured as the change in employment status, and the total earning achieved within three months. The percentage of the clients who improved their employment status was 21.7%. Diagnosis and demographic variables were not associated with the change in employment status. Total earning has significant correlation with three variables: attendance to program, number of hospital admissions, and relating with authority. Multiple regression analysis identified a six-variables model that can explain 44% of the variance in total earning. Path analysis further illustrated that attendance, mental condition, and work motivation exert significant effects on total earning directly, and through their influence on the social performance variables.