Understanding barriers to employment for people living with severe mental illness

Jamieson, Michelle Kimberly (2024) Understanding barriers to employment for people living with severe mental illness. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the complex link between severe mental illness (SMI), common mental health disorders (CMD), and employment outcomes, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for individuals with SMI and CMD. It examines how factors like socioeconomic status, education, and health impact employment rates and seeks to enhance understanding of the employment barriers and benefits for this group.

Methods: This retrospective, observational study utilized Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) data from 2000 and 2007, encompassing English residents aged 16-75. Economic activity measurements were based on International Labour Organization criteria, with logistic regression models and Average Partial Effects (APEs) identifying relationships between variables. SMI and CMD presence were determined through validated clinical measures within APMS. The study advocates for integrating reflexive practice in quantitative research, illustrated by reflexive pieces titled ‘Beginning’, ‘Middle’, and ‘End’.

Results: analysis focused on the employment status of individuals in England, focusing on those with common mental health disorders (CMD) and severe mental illness (SMI) compared to the general population. It found that the presence of SMI or CMD significantly correlated with reduced economic activity. Key factors such as age, gender, education, ethnicity, physical health, social class, and service use were identified as influencing employment outcomes negatively for those affected by SMI or CMD. Education emerged as a crucial mitigating factor, highlighting the need for targeted support and interventions.

Conclusion: This work explores the complex relationships between common mental health disorders (CMD), severe mental illness (SMI), and employment in England, highlighting an increasing employment gap for those affected. Utilizing the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, it identifies key socioeconomic and demographic influences on this dynamic. The findings call for targeted interventions to enhance employment prospects for individuals with CMD and SMI, offering critical insights for future policy and research.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
• Supervisor's Name: Bailey, Professor Nick and Ferrie, Professor Jo
• Date of Award: 2024
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2024-84380
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 20 Jun 2024 15:17
• Last Modified: 21 Jun 2024 08:16
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.84380
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/84380