Work Therapy: A Method of Enhancing Mental Health Outcomes
Work therapy is an evidence-based career intervention which involves using work-related activities to improve psychological wellbeing. Work therapy has been used in clinical settings since the mid-1800s, and has been found to be an effective strategy for addressing a variety of mental health issues. This article will discuss the efficacy of work therapy, the various components of work therapy, and the potential benefits to both patients and providers.
Efficacy of Work Therapy
Work therapy has been found to be an effective intervention for improving psychological functioning. Studies have found that work therapy is associated with improved psychological functioning, including reduced anxiety, depression, and stress. Additionally, work therapy has been found to be associated with improved cognitive functioning, improved self-esteem, and improved quality of life. Work therapy has also been found to be associated with increased job satisfaction and decreased unemployment.
Components of Work Therapy
Work therapy is typically comprised of three core components: job exploration, job skills training, and job placement. Job exploration involves helping the client to identify potential job opportunities and career paths. Job skills training involves helping the client to develop the necessary skills to obtain and maintain a job. Finally, job placement involves helping the client to obtain and maintain a job.
Benefits of Work Therapy
Work therapy can provide numerous benefits to both patients and providers. For patients, work therapy can provide improved psychological functioning, increased job satisfaction, and improved quality of life. For providers, work therapy can provide an effective method of improving patient outcomes.
Conclusion
Work therapy is an evidence-based career intervention which involves using work-related activities to improve psychological wellbeing. Work therapy has been found to be associated with improved psychological functioning, increased job satisfaction, and improved quality of life. Work therapy is typically comprised of three components: job exploration, job skills training, and job placement. Additionally, work therapy can provide numerous benefits to both patients and providers.
References
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Kanai, T., & Kleist, D. M. (2008). Work therapy in the 21st century. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 39(4), 373.
McAlpine, D. D., & Anderson, E. J. (2010). The efficacy of work therapy in a correctional setting: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 54(2), 249-264.