The application of human capital theory in vocational rehabilitation for individuals with mental illness.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	The application of human capital theory in vocational rehabilitation for individuals with mental illness.
Authors:	Gao, Ni¹ gaoni@umdnj.edu, Gill, Kenneth J.¹, Schmidt, Lisa T.², Pratt, Carlos W.¹
Source:	Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. 2010, Vol. 32 Issue 1, p25-33. 9p. 2 Charts.
Subject Terms:	Human capital, Vocational rehabilitation, Occupational retraining, Vocational education, Vocational guidance, Occupational therapy, Mental health, Mental illness, Pathological psychology
Abstract:	Human Capital Theory posits that investment in education and job training increase employability among the general labor force. This study examined the applicability of Human Capital Theory to an explanation of employment outcomes of individuals with psychiatric illness. The employment rates of participants with mental illness and participants with equivalent human capital but not disability were compared. The study also explored whether human capital variables predicted employability. The study found that participants with mental illness achieved similar re-employment rates within six-months of becoming unemployed when compared to their counterparts with no reported disability. Additionally, later onset of mental illness predicted higher employment rates. Severity of psychiatric symptoms was not predictive of employment rates. These findings suggest that human capital variables are correlated with employment outcomes among persons with mental illness. They also suggest that assisting mental health consumers in the pursuit of education and job training may improve their employability which can lead to financial independence and community integration. The findings also support the development and implementation of Supported Education to assist consumers to succeed in education and job training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Education Research Complete

Description
Abstract:	Human Capital Theory posits that investment in education and job training increase employability among the general labor force. This study examined the applicability of Human Capital Theory to an explanation of employment outcomes of individuals with psychiatric illness. The employment rates of participants with mental illness and participants with equivalent human capital but not disability were compared. The study also explored whether human capital variables predicted employability. The study found that participants with mental illness achieved similar re-employment rates within six-months of becoming unemployed when compared to their counterparts with no reported disability. Additionally, later onset of mental illness predicted higher employment rates. Severity of psychiatric symptoms was not predictive of employment rates. These findings suggest that human capital variables are correlated with employment outcomes among persons with mental illness. They also suggest that assisting mental health consumers in the pursuit of education and job training may improve their employability which can lead to financial independence and community integration. The findings also support the development and implementation of Supported Education to assist consumers to succeed in education and job training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	10522263
DOI:	10.3233/JVR-2010-0492