Client factors related to premature termination from a vocational rehabilitation program
Creators: name: Lee, Linda Louise
Publisher: name: University of Calgary
Year: 1989
Subjects: subject: HD 7255 L44 1989
subject: Vocational rehabilitation
subject: Handicapped - Attitudes

description: Bibliography: p. 154-164.
description: The purpose of the present study was to compare and contrast clients who remained in a vocational rehabilitation program with those who dropped out early of the program. Attenders were defined to be those clients who remained in assessment or in a work adjustment program for at least the first six weeks of their program; dropouts were those clients who unilaterally terminated within the first six weeks of their program. Relatively few studies have been conducted in the area of research regarding premature termination from vocational rehabilitation programs; however, the problem of premature termination from these programs is as serious a problem as in other areas. The present study included measures of clients' perceptions of the value of work, future outlook, levels of social support, hopelessness, and work personality as these factors have been implicated in dropping out. Subjects completed the questionnaires within the first two weeks of participation in the program. In addition, a subsample of attenders and dropouts completed a questionnaire assessing client satisfaction with the program and staff in a follow-up session. Thirty-seven attenders and 22 dropouts participated in the study. No significant differences were found between the attenders and dropouts on sociodemographic characteristics except for disability type (emotional, learning, and physical). It was found that learning disabled clients were more likely to remain in the program than to drop out. Dropouts were found to have significantly lower levels of work motivation, work conformance, and hopelessness than attenders, and it was found that levels of work conformance and hopelessness together significantly predicted dropping out. Differences between the attenders and dropouts on other dependent variables were insignificant. Fifteen attenders and 15 dropouts participated in the follow-up session and no significant differences were found between the two groups regarding client satisfaction with services and staff. However, most of the dropouts said they terminated because (a) the program was not helpful for them, (b) they did not get along with coworkers, and (c) there was no remuneration. Results of the present study confirm findings of some previous studies. Lower levels of work motivation, conformance, and hopelessness may indicate that dropouts have deficits in both work adjustment and personal adjustment behaviors. Lower levels of hopelessness may suggest that dropouts are denying or are unaware of the negative effects of their disabilities on vocational adjustment and, therefore, have unrealistic expectations regarding their own abilities and regarding their future success. Attenders, on the other hand, may be more self-critical and willing to deal with their problems, and have higher levels of motivation to remain in the rehabilitation program to increase their chances of future success. Higher levels of conformance may also indicate that attenders are better candidates for rehabilitation (e.g., more willing to accept the advice of counselors and supervisors) and have better chances for successful placement into community employment. Future research is required to replicate these results and it is suggested that the study be repeated with more homogeneous disabled groups.