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Assessing motivation for work in people with developmental disabilities
- Authors:
- ROSE John, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 14(2), June 2010, pp.147-155.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
Factors that might influence motivation for work have been neglected in previous investigations in the process of people with intellectual disabilities finding employment. This article describes the development of The Work Readiness Scale which was largely adapted from The Readiness to Change Questionnaire. A structured interview was conducted with 69 people with developmental and intellectual disabilities while at the supported employment agency or vocational training centre in a large city in England. A subgroup of 43 individuals completed the questionnaire again about two weeks later. A member of staff who knew the person well was asked to independently rate the motivational level of the individual. The questionnaire seems to have reasonable psychometric properties and may have utility in assessing individuals for work and designing appropriate training to find work.
Psychological factors associated with obtaining employment
- Authors:
- HENSEL Elizabeth, KROESE Biza Stenfert, ROSE John
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 20(2), March 2007, pp.175-181.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Less than 10% of people with intellectual disabilities are employed. The aim of the present study was to investigate what psychological factors might predict employment outcome for people with intellectual disability who had received a placement in a supported employment service. Sixty people were interviewed whilst they were in the supported employment preparation agency and where possible 3 and 9 months after leaving. The structured interview included a number of psychological measures. Those who subsequently gained employment were compared with those who did not. Those who gained employment were significantly more motivated by status aspiration, and judged themselves significantly less happy than those who did not gain employment, at the first interview. It is possible that people who are more dissatisfied with their life might be more motivated to change their circumstances. Supported employment agencies might consider using a measure of motivation as an entry criterion or as a way of identifying who needs help with developing motivation.
Factors affecting the likelihood that people with intellectual disabilities will gain employment
- Authors:
- ROSE John, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 9(1), March 2005, pp.9-23.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
The study aimed to identify factors that may affect the likelihood that people with intellectual disabilities will find employment through a supported employment agency. A retrospective analysis of the files of the last 200 individuals to use such an agency was carried out. Variables were identified that may influence outcome, such as demographic factors, job preferences and identified support needs. A specific rating of staff assessed client motivation was developed from written comments made by staff. Staff assessed motivation after two weeks on the scheme was found to be the only significant predictor of employment outcome. Motivation levels decreased for all groups of participants while at the agency, irrespective of work outcome. This study highlights that a greater emphasis on motivation within employment agencies may increase the chances of people with intellectual disability finding work.