Psychometric Properties of the Vocational Rehabilitation Engagement Scale When Used With People With Mental Illness in Clubhouse Settings

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to validate the Vocational Rehabilitation Engagement Scale (VRES) for use in the Clubhouse Model of Psychosocial Rehabilitation.Method:There were 124 individuals with serious mental illness recruited from 8 Clubhouse programs in Hawaii. Measurement structure of the VRES was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis.Results:Exploratory factor analysis of the Clubhouse version of the VRES yielded 2 reliable factors (cognitive-affective engagement and behavioral engagement). Both the cognitive-affective engagement and behavioral engagement factors were found to correlate with other self-determination theory constructs including autonomy support, relatedness, and outcome expectancy.Conclusions:The Clubhouse version of the VRES is a brief, reliable, and valid instrument for assessing vocational rehabilitation (VR) engagement and contributes to the use of self-determination as a paradigm for improving recovery outcomes in psychiatric rehabilitation.

Evaluation of Constructs Based on Self-Determination Theory and Self-Efficacy Theory as Predictors of Vocational Rehabilitation Engagement for People With Physical and Sensory Disabilities

“…Each item is rated on a 5-point scale, ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). Using the VRES with clients with mental illness in clubhouse settings, Fitzgerald et al (2016) reported an internal consistency reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) of .86. The Cronbach's alpha for the VRES in this study was .95.…”

“…Autonomy. The Behavioral Regulation in Work Questionnaire (BRWQ) was adapted from the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2; Markland & Tobin, 2004) by Fitzgerald et al (2016) to assess controlled motivation and autonomous motivation to obtain and retain employment. The BRWQ-Brief extracts two identified regulation items (e.g., "I want to work because I value the social and financial benefits of work") and two intrinsic regulation items (e.g., "I want to work because it is fun") to form a four-item Autonomous Work Motivation measure.…”

“…However, internal motivation has also been found to have a strong effect on engagement in treatment and services (Corrigan et al, 2012; Fitzgerald et al, 2015; Tansey et al, 2017). Rehabilitation researchers have identified self-determination and autonomous choice as factors that encourage persons with disabilities to be self-motivated and to participate actively in all aspects of VR services (Corrigan et al, 2012; Dutta et al, 2017; Fitzgerald et al, 2015, 2016; Iwanaga et al, 2019; Tansey et al, 2017; Wagner & McMahon, 2004).…”

Unraveling the factors influencing engagement in vocational rehabilitation services among transition-age Hispanic youth: An exploratory study

“…The Vocational Self-Efficacy Scale (VSES; Fitzgerald et al, 2016) was used to assess participants vocational self-efficacy. The VSES is an adaptation of the Life Skills Inventory (LSI; Chan et al, 2003) that evaluated the life essential skills for assertive community living and work.…”