Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the career development of individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this preliminary exploratory study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the career development of diverse individuals with psychiatric disabilities. Methods: Four hundred sixty-nine individuals with psychiatric disabilities and 147 individuals without psychiatric disabilities completed survey questions regarding their employment and educational experiences during the pandemic. We utilized chi-square analyses to explore the differences between those with and without psychiatric disabilities and between racial groups. Results: Our results indicated that individuals with psychiatric disabilities, especially Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), experienced greater employment-related uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic than the population without psychiatric disabilities. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Individuals with psychiatric disabilities, particularly BIPOC, need access to more stable employment and supports to maintain their employment. Impact and ImplicationsThis exploratory study examined the disproportional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the educational and employment experiences of individuals with psychiatric disabilities, particularly, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. The results of this study show that these communities experience greater uncertainty around work and need greater stability and security in their work lives.