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Gainful employment reduces stigma toward people recovering from schizophrenia
- Authors:
- PERKINS David V., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Community Mental Health Journal, 45(3), June 2009, pp.158-162.
- Publisher:
- Springer
Stigma impedes the social integration of persons recovering from psychiatric disability, especially those with criminal histories. Little is known about factors that lessen this stigma. Four hundred and four adults listened to one of four vignettes describing a 25-year-old male with schizophrenia and responded to a standard set of items measuring social distance. The individual who was gainfully employed (against the individual who was unemployed), or who had a prior misdemeanour (vs. felony) criminal offence, elicited significantly less stigma. It is concluded that employment may destigmatize a person coping with both psychiatric disability and a criminal record. Mental health services should encourage paid employment and other paths to community integration.
People with Asperger syndrome and employment
- Authors:
- HILL Elisabeth, McINTOSH Barbara, PERKINS David
- Publisher:
- Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 5p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Individuals with Asperger syndrome experience particular difficulties with social interaction and communication. These individuals have average or above intellectual ability, a strong preference for routines, difficulties in understanding specific aspects of language and communication, as well as other people’s thoughts, beliefs and intentions. Despite high abilities in many areas, only around 15% of those with Asperger syndrome are in employment. This report presents the findings of a small project in which four adults with Asperger Syndrome were supported at work. During the project a mental health occupational therapy specialist and an employment consultant jointly ran sessions with each participant to identify areas of difficulty that cause anxiety. These areas were addressed and this study evaluates the improvements which had been made. The report concludes that with some targeted, individual support and understanding of an individual’s difficulties and potential, employees can be supported and their equality promoted. This can be achieved through a range of techniques and with the support of a variety of organisations.