Advertisement

Career guidance and public mental health

  • Peter J. Robertson
Article
First Online:

Abstract

Career guidance may have the potential to promote public health by contributing positively to both the prevention of mental health conditions and to population level well-being. The policy implications of this possibility have received little attention. Career guidance agencies are well placed to reach key target groups. Producing persuasive evidence to support claims of health outcomes from guidance is problematic. Although rare, there are some studies of health impacts from employment related interventions, suggesting it is not impossible to generate such evidence. There is a need to develop an evidence base addressing well-being outcomes which may require adopting health-style research methods. There is also a need to open a dialogue with policy makers concerning the potential for career guidance to contribute to public mental health.

Keywords

Career guidance Policy Public health 

Résumé

Conseil en orientation et santé mentale publique. Le conseil en orientation pourrait avoir le potentiel de promouvoir la santé publique en contribuant positivement à la fois à la prévention des problèmes de santé mentale et au niveau du bien-être de la population. Les implications politiques de cette possibilité ont reçu peu d’attention. Les organismes d’orientation professionnelle sont bien placés pour atteindre des groupes cibles. Produire des preuves convaincantes pour appuyer les réclamations de résultats sur l’impact de l’orientation en termes de santé mentale est problématique. Bien qu’en nombre limité, il existe quelques études d’impacts des interventions liées à l’emploi sur la santé, ce qui suggère qu’il n’est pas impossible de générer de telles preuves. Il est nécessaire de développer une base de données probantes qui aborde le problème du bien-être, ce qui peut nécessiter l’adoption de méthodes de recherche spécifiques à la santé. Il est également nécessaire d’ouvrir un dialogue avec les décideurs politiques concernant le potentiel du conseil en orientation à contribuer à la santé mentale publique.

Zusammenfassung

Berufsberatung und Psychische Gesundheit. Berufsberatung kann das Potenzial haben, durch einen positiven Beitrag sowohl zur Prävention von psychischen Störungen sowie des Wohlbefindens der Bevölkerung die öffentliche Gesundheit zu fördern. Den politischen Implikationen dieser Möglichkeit wurden nur wenig Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt. Berufsberatungsstellen sind gut aufgestellt, um wichtige Zielgruppen zu erreichen. Überzeugende Beweise für die gesundheitlichen Folgen von Beratung sind schwierig zu erbringen. Obwohl beschränkt, gibt es einige Studien über gesundheitliche Auswirkungen von beruflichen Interventionen, was darauf hindeutet, dass es nicht unmöglich ist, diesen Beweis zu erbringen. Es besteht ein Bedarf zur Entwicklung einer Evidenzgrundlage, die Wirksamkeit auf Wohlbefinden adressiert. Dies könnte die Übernahme von Forschungsmethoden im Gesundheits-Stil erfordern. Es gibt auch eine Notwendigkeit, einen Dialog mit der Politik zu öffnen, in dem das Potential der Bildungs-und Berufsberatung zur psychischen Gesundheit der Bevölkerung beizutragen dargestellt wird.

Résumen

Orientación Profesional y Salud Mental Pública. La orientación profesional puede tener el potencial de promover la salud pública, contribuyendo positivamente tanto a la prevención de problemas de salud mental como al nivel de bienestar de la populación. Las implicaciones políticas de esta posibilidad han recibido poca atención. Organismos de orientación profesional están bien situados para llegar a los grupos destinatarios clave. Producir evidencia convincente para apoyar las demandas de los resultados de salud en orientación es problemático. Aunque limitados, hay algunos estudios de impactos de la salud de las intervenciones relacionadas con el empleo, lo que sugiere que no es imposible generar tales pruebas. Hay una necesidad de desarrollar una base de pruebas para abordar resultados del bienestar, que puede requerir la adopción de métodos de investigación de salud. También hay una necesidad de abrir un diálogo con los responsables políticos sobre las posibilidades de orientación profesional para contribuir a la salud mental pública.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

References

  1. Adams, J., White, M., Moffatt, S., Howel, D. M., & Mackintosh, J. (2006). A systematic review of the health, social and financial impacts of welfare rights advice delivered in healthcare settings. BMC Public Health, 6, 81. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-6-81.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  2. Allen, N. B., Hetrick, S. E., Simmons, J. G., & Hickie, I. B. (2007). Early intervention for depressive disorders in young people: The opportunity and the (lack of) evidence. Medical Journal of Australia, 187(7), S15–S17.Google Scholar
  3. Audhoe, S. S., Hoving, J. L., Sluiter, J. K., & Frings-Dresen, M. H. W. (2010). Vocational interventions for unemployed: Effects on work participation and mental distress: A systematic review. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 20, 1–13. doi: 10.1007/s10926-009-9223-y.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  4. Bambra, C. (2011). Work, worklessness and the political economy of health. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  5. Bambra, C., Gibson, M., Sowden, A., Wright, K., & Petticrew, M. (2010). Tackling the wider social determinants of health and health inequalities: Evidence from systematic reviews. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 64, 284–291. doi: 10.1136/jech.2008.082743.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  6. Bambra, C., Whitehead, M., & Hamilton, V. (2005). Does ‘welfare to work’ work? A systematic review of the effectiveness of the UK’s welfare-to-work programmes for people with a disability or chronic illness. Social Science and Medicine, 60, 1905–1918. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2004.09.002.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  7. Barry, M. M., & Jenkins, R. (2007). Implementing mental health promotion. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.Google Scholar
  8. Bimrose, J. (2009). Careers guidance, identity and development. Warwick, UK: Institute for Employment Research, University of Warwick.Google Scholar
  9. Bimrose, J., Barnes, S. A., & Hughes, D. (2008). Adult career progression and advancement: A five year study of the effectiveness of guidance. Coventry: Warwick Institute for Employment Research/Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.Google Scholar
  10. Blustein, D. (1987). Integrating career counselling and psychotherapy: A comprehensive treatment strategy. Psychotherapy, Research, Practice, Training, 24, 794–799. doi: 10.1037/h0085781.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  11. Blustein, D. L. (2008). The role of work in psychological health and well-being: A conceptual, historical and public policy perspective. American Psychologist, 63, 228–240. doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.63.4.228.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  12. Blustein, D. L., Medvide, M. B., & Kozan, S. (2012). A tour of a new paradigm: Relationships and work. The Counselling Psychologist, 40, 243–254. doi: 10.1177/0011000011429032.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  13. Bok, D. (2010). The politics of happiness: What governments can learn from the new research on well-being. Princeton, UK: Princeton University Press.Google Scholar
  14. Booth, P. (Ed.). (2012). And the pursuit of happiness: Wellbeing and the role of Government. London, UK: The Institute of Economic Affairs.Google Scholar
  15. Candy, B., Cattell, V., Clark, C., & Stansfeld, S. A. (2007). The health impact of policy interventions tackling the social determinants of common mental disorder. Journal of Public Mental Health, 6, 28–39. doi: 10.1108/17465729200700012.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  16. CEDEFOP. (2011). Lifelong guidance across Europe: Reviewing policy progress and future prospects Working paper 11. European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. doi: 10.2801/92019.
  17. Clayton, S., Bambra, C., Gosling, R., Povall, S., Misso, K., & Whitehead, M. (2011). Assembling the evidence jigsaw: Insights from a systematic review of UK studies of individual-focused return to work initiatives for disabled and long-term ill people. BMC Public Health, 11, 170. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-170.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  18. Coutts, P. (2007). Mental health, recovery and employment. In S. Bradstreet & W. Brown (Eds.), SRN discussion paper series. Report no. 5. Glasgow, UK: Scottish Recovery Network.Google Scholar
  19. Coutts, A. P. (2010). Active labour market programmes (ALMPs) and health: An evidence base. Review prepared for the strategic review of health inequalities in England post 2010 (Marmot review). London, UK: Institute of Health Equity, University College London.Google Scholar
  20. Crowther, R. E., Marshall, M., Bond, G. R., & Huxley, P. (2001). Helping people with severe mental illness to obtain work: A systematic review. British Medical Journal, 322, 204–208. doi: 10.1136/bmj.322.7280.204.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  21. Delle Fave, A. D., & Massimini, F. (2005). The relevance of subjective well-being to social policies: Optimal experience and tailored intervention. In F. A. Huppert, N. Baylis, & B. Keverne (Eds.), The science of well being (pp. 379–404). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
  22. Diener, E., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Beyond money: Toward an economy of well-being. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 5, 1–31. doi: 10.1111/j.0963-7214.2004.00501001.x.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  23. Donovan, N., & Halpern, D. (2002). Life satisfaction: The state of knowledge and implications for government. London, UK: Prime Minster’s Office Strategy Unit.Google Scholar
  24. Easterlin, R. A. (1974). Does economic growth improve the human lot? Some empirical evidence. In P. A. David & M. W. Reder (Eds.), Nations and households in economic growth: Essays in honor of Moses Abramovitz (pp. 89–125). New York, NY: Academic Press.Google Scholar
  25. Ecclestone, K., & Hayes, D. (2008). The dangerous rise of therapeutic education. London, UK: Routledge.Google Scholar
  26. European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network. (2010). Lifelong guidance policies: Work in progress. Jyväskylä, Finland: ELPN.Google Scholar
  27. Field, J. (2009). Well-being and happiness: Inquiry into the future of lifelong learning. ILF Thematic paper no. 4. Leicester: National Institute of Adult and Continuing Education.Google Scholar
  28. Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project. (2008). Final Report. London, UK: The Government Office for Science.Google Scholar
  29. Friedli, L. (2009). Mental health, resilience and inequalities. Copenhagen, Denmark: World Health Organisation.Google Scholar
  30. Furlong, A. (2002). Youth transitions and health: A literature review. Edinburgh, UK: Health Education Board for Scotland.Google Scholar
  31. Gillham, J. E., Shatte, A. J., & Freres, D. R. (2000). Preventing depression: A review of cognitive behavioural and family interventions. Applied & Preventive Psychology, 9, 63–88. doi: 10.1016/S0962-1849(00)80007-4.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  32. Gillie, S., & Gillie Isenhour, M. (2005). The educational, social and economic value of informed and considered career decisions. Alexandria, VA: America’s Career Resource Network Association.Google Scholar
  33. Halpern, D. (2010). The hidden wealth of nations. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press.Google Scholar
  34. Hanson, E. (2006). Career guidance: A resource handbook for low and middle income countries. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Organisation.Google Scholar
  35. Harden, A., Rees, R., Shepherd, J., Ginny, B., Oliver, S., & Oakley, A. (2001). Young people and mental health: Systematic review of research on barriers and facilitators. London, UK: EPPI-Centre.Google Scholar
  36. Herr, E. L. (1989). Career development and mental health. Journal of Career Development, 16, 5–18. doi: 10.1007/BF01354263.Google Scholar
  37. Higgins, J. P. T., & Green, S. (Eds.). (2008). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions (Cochrane Book Series). Chichester, UK: The Cochrane Collaboration/Wiley-Blackwell.Google Scholar
  38. Hughes, D. M., & Gration, G. (2009). Evidence and impact: Careers and guidance-related interventions. Reading: CfBT Education Trust/DMH Associates.Google Scholar
  39. Huppert, F. A. (2004). A population approach to positive psychology: The potential for population interventions to promote well-being and prevent disease. In P. A. Linley & S. Joseph (Eds.), Positive psychology in practice (pp. 693–709). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.Google Scholar
  40. Huppert, F. A. (2005). Positive mental health in individuals and populations. In F. A. Huppert, N. Baylis, & B. Keverne (Eds.), The science of well being (pp. 307–342). Oxford: Oxford University Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  41. International Labour Organisation. (2012). Global trends 2012: Preventing a deeper jobs crisis. Geneva: ILO.Google Scholar
  42. Jané-Llopis, E., & Anderson, P. (2005). Mental health promotion and mental disorder prevention: A policy for Europe. Nijmegen, Netherlands: Radboud University Nijmegen.Google Scholar
  43. Jané-Llopis, E., Barry, M., Hosman, C., & Patel, V. (2005). Mental health promotion works: A review. IUHPE Promotion and Education Supplement, 2, 9–25. doi: 10.1177/10253823050120020103x.Google Scholar
  44. Keyes, C. (2002). The mental health continuum: From languishing to flourishing in life. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 43(2), 207–222.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  45. Lakey, J., Mukherjee, A., & White, M. (2001). Youth unemployment, labour market programmes and health: A review of the literature. London, UK: Policy Studies Institute.Google Scholar
  46. Layard, R. (2005). Happiness: Lessons from a new science. London, UK: Penguin.Google Scholar
  47. Lazarus, R. S. (2003). Does the positive psychology movement have legs? Psychological Enquiry, 14, 93–109. doi: 10.1207/S15327965PLI1402_02.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  48. Levine, M., Perkins, D. D., & Perkins, D. (2005). Principles of community psychology: Perspectives and applications (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
  49. Lindsay, C., Mcquaid, R., & Dutton, M. (2007). New approaches to employability in the UK: Combining “human capital development” and “work first” strategies. Journal of Social Policy, 36, 539–560. doi: 10.1017/S0047279407001171.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  50. Loughead, T. A. (1989). Career development curriculum (CDC) for the mentally ill. Journal of Career Development, 16, 53–62. doi: 10.1007/BF01354267.Google Scholar
  51. Mayston, D. (2002). Assessing the benefits of career guidance. Occasional Paper. Derby: Centre for Guidance Studies, University of Derby.Google Scholar
  52. McKee-Ryan, F. M., Song, Z., Wanbeg, C. R., & Kinicki, A. J. (2005). Psychological and physical well being during unemployment: A meta-analytic study. Journal of Applied Psychology, 90, 53–76. doi: 10.1037/0021-9010.90.1.53.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  53. Medical Research Council. (2008). Developing and evaluating complex interventions: New guidance. London, UK: MRC.Google Scholar
  54. Mirowsky, J., & Ross, C. E. (2003). The social causes of psychological distress. New York, NY: Walter de Gruyter.Google Scholar
  55. Monroe, S. M., & Harkness, K. L. (2005). Life stress, the “kindling” hypothesis, and the recurrence of depression: Considerations from a life stress perspective. Psychological Review, 112, 417–445. doi: 10.1037/0033-295X.112.2.417.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  56. Murali, V., & Oyebode, F. (2004). Poverty, social inequality and mental health. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 10, 216–224. doi: 10.1192/apt.10.3.216.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  57. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. (2012). Methods for development of NICE public health guidance (3rd ed.). London, UK: NICE.Google Scholar
  58. Office for National Statistics. (2011). Measuring subjective wellbeing in the UK. Newport: ONS.Google Scholar
  59. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2004). Career guidance: A handbook for policy makers. Paris, France: OECD/European Commission.Google Scholar
  60. Paul, K. I., & Moser, K. (2009). Unemployment impairs mental health: Meta-analyses. Journal of Vocational Behaviour, 74, 264–282. doi: 10.1016/j.jvb.2009.01.001.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  61. Pavot, W., & Diener, E. (2004). Findings on subjective well-being: Applications to public policy, clinical interventions and education. In P. A. Linley & S. Joseph (Eds.), Positive psychology in practice (pp. 679–692). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.Google Scholar
  62. Price, R. H., House, J., & Gordus, J. P. (1985). Exploring work as an arena for prevention research: The Michigan Prevention Research Center. Journal of Prevention in Human Services, 3, 101–116. doi: 10.1300/J293v03n04_10.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  63. Price, R. H., Vinokur, A. D., & Friedland, D. S. (2002). The job seeker role as resource in achieving reemployment and enhancing mental health new directions. In A. Maney & J. Ramos (Eds.), Socioeconomic conditions, stress and mental health disorders: Toward a new synthesis of research and public policy. Washington, D.C: NIMH.Google Scholar
  64. Robertson, P. J. (2013). The well-being outcomes of guidance. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 41, 254–266. doi: 10.1080/03069885.2013.773959.Google Scholar
  65. Rose, V., & Harris, E. (2004). From efficacy to effectiveness: Case studies in unemployment research. Journal of Public Health, 26, 297–302. doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdh146.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  66. Rothi, D. M. (2006). Mental health help-seeking and young people: A review. Pastoral Care, 24, 4–13. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-0122.2006.00373.x.
  67. Rueda, S., Chamber, L., Wilson, M., Mustard, C., Rourke, S. B., & Bayoumi, A. (2012). Association of returning to work with better health in working-aged adults: A systematic review. American Journal of Public Health, 102, 541–556. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300401.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  68. Seebohm, P., Grove, B., & Secker, J. (2002). Working towards recovery: Putting employment at the heart of refocused mental health services. London, UK: Kings College.Google Scholar
  69. Shadish, W., & Myers, D. (2004). Research design policy brief. Oslo, Norway: The Campbell Collaboration.Google Scholar
  70. Stiglitz, J. E., Sen, A., & Fitoussi, J.-P. (2009). Report of the commission on the measurement of economic performance and social progress. Paris, France: Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress.Google Scholar
  71. Stoate, H., & Jones, B. (2010). Work, the grand cure: How changing the way Britain works will be good for our health. London, UK: The Fabian Society.Google Scholar
  72. Stuckler, D., Basu, S., Suhrcke, M., Coutts, A., & Mckee, M. (2009). The public health effect of economic crises and alternative policy responses in Europe: An empirical analysis. The Lancet, 374, 315–323. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61124-7.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  73. Sultana, R. G., & Watts, A. G. (2006). Career guidance in Europe’s public employment services: Trends and challenges. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, 6, 29–46. doi: 10.1007/s10775-006-0001-5.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  74. The Economist. (2006). Economics discovers its feelings. The Economist, 381, 35–37.Google Scholar
  75. Timulak, L. (2008). Research in psychotherapy and counselling. London, UK: Sage.Google Scholar
  76. Underwood, L., Thomas, J., Williams, T., & Thieba, A. (2007). The effectiveness of interventions for people with common mental health problems on employment outcomes: A systematic rapid evidence assessment. London, UK: EPPI-Centre, Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London.Google Scholar
  77. van Deurzen, E. (2009). Psychotherapy and the quest for happiness. London, UK: Sage.Google Scholar
  78. Veenhoven, R. (2004). Happiness as a public policy aim: The greatest happiness principle. In P. A. Linley & S. Joseph (Eds.), Positive psychology in practice (pp. 658–678). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.Google Scholar
  79. Vuori, J., Silvonen, J., Vinokur, A. D., & Price, R. H. (2002). The Työhön job search program in Finland: Benefits for the unemployed with risk of depression or discouragement. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 7, 5–19. doi: 10.1037/1076-8998.7.1.5.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  80. Waddell, G., & Burton, A. K. (2006). Is work good for your health and well-being? London, UK: Department for Work and Pensions.Google Scholar
  81. Walsh, D. (2005). Meta-synthesis method for qualitative research: A literature review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 50, 204–211. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03380.x.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  82. Warr, P. (2007). Work, happiness and unhappiness. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.Google Scholar
  83. Watts, A. G., & Sultana, R. (2004). Career guidance policies in 37 countries: Contrasts and common themes. International Journal for Vocational and Educational Guidance, 4, 105–122. doi: 10.1007/s10775-005-1025-y.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  84. Wilkinson, R., & Pickett, K. (2010). The spirit level: Why equality is better for everyone (2nd ed.). London, UK: Penguin.Google Scholar
  85. World Health Organisation. (2002). Prevention and promotion in mental health. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO.Google Scholar
  86. World Health Organisation. (2004a). Prevention of mental disorders: Effective interventions and policy options. Summary report. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO.Google Scholar
  87. World Health Organisation. (2004b). Promoting mental health: Concepts, emerging evidence, practice. Summary report. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO.Google Scholar
  88. World Health Organisation. (2005). Mental health: Strengthening mental health promotion. Fact sheet no. 220. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO.Google Scholar
  89. World Health Organisation. (2011). Global burden of mental disorders and the need for a comprehensive, coordinated response from health and social sectors at the country level. Report by the Secretariat.Google Scholar
  90. World Health Organisation/Government of South Australia. (2010). Adelaide statement on health in all policies. Adelaide, Australia: WHO.Google Scholar
  91. World Health Organisation/World Mental Health Consortium. (2004). Prevalence, severity and unmet need for treatment of mental disorder. Journal of American Medical Association, 291, 2581–2589.Google Scholar
  92. Zunker, V. (2008). Career, work and mental health: Integrating career and personal counseling. London, UK: Sage.Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.School of Life, Sport and Social SciencesEdinburgh Napier UniversityEdinburghUK

Personalised recommendations

Cite article

Buy options