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Case Managers’ Experiences of Personal Growth: Learning from Consumers

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Abstract

This study examines aspects of case managers’ perceived personal growth in their work with consumers. Using a sample of 98 case managers, the psychometric properties of a brief self-report measure of personal growth of case managers were examined. The Case Manager Personal Growth Scale (CMPG) showed good reliability and construct validity as evidenced by negative correlations with scores on professional burnout and positive correlations with personal accomplishment and job satisfaction scores. CMPG scores were unrelated to social desirability scores or caseload size and positively related to age and tenure in the mental health system. Results suggest the strong relevance of the construct of personal growth for case managers.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA

    Catherine H. Stein Ph.D.

  2. Mid-Ohio Psychological Services, Inc., Lancaster, OH, USA

    Scott A. Craft Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Catherine H. Stein Ph.D.
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  2. Scott A. Craft Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Catherine H. Stein Ph.D..

Additional information

Catherine H. Stein is a Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training at Bowling Green State University. Scott A. Craft is a clinical psychologist at Mid-Ohio Psychological Services, Inc. in Lancaster, Ohio, USA.

This research is part of a dissertation by the second author presented to Bowling Green State University. We extend our appreciation to the case managers who participated in the research.

Appendix: Case Manager Personal Growth Scale (CMPG)

Appendix: Case Manager Personal Growth Scale (CMPG)

Below is a set of statements that describe how some case managers may feel as a result of working with consumers that experience a chronic mental illness. Please indicate how true each statement is for you at this time in your career. Please respond to the statements using the rating scale below:

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

1

2

3

4

5

  1. 1.

    I have made positive changes in my life as a result of my work with consumers.

  2. 2.

    I often think about the lives of some consumers when I encounter setbacks in my own life.

  3. 3.

    Working with consumers has led me to focus on strengthening my personal relationships.

  4. 4.

    Working as a case manager has caused a sense of spiritual growth for me.

  5. 5.

    I feel I have more to offer my family and friends as a result of my experience being a case manager.

  6. 6.

    I feel being a case manager has led to personal growth in several areas of my life.

  7. 7.

    I often hear profound “stories” from consumers that cause me to reflect on my own life.

  8. 8.

    I have found that working with consumers has caused me to try harder when I encounter personal problems.

  9. 9.

    The longer I work with consumers, the more I realize our lives are not that different.

  10. 10.

    I am more willing to “stand up” for others that experience stigma and discrimination since working with consumers.

  11. 11.

    I’ve found that I am more willing to help others in need since working as a case manager.

  12. 12.

    Working with consumers has led me to have a stronger religious faith.

  13. 13.

    I have become more aware of the importance of my family since working as a case manager.

  14. 14.

    I have found I can learn a lot about myself from working with consumers.

  15. 15.

    Seeing the struggles of consumers has made me more willing to take on challenges in my own life.

  16. 16.

    I am more open to help and support from family and friends since working as a case manager.

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Stein, C.H., Craft, S.A. Case Managers’ Experiences of Personal Growth: Learning from Consumers. Community Ment Health J 43, 183–195 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-006-9068-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-006-9068-1

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