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Understanding Motivation to Return to Work: The Economy of Gains and Losses

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Handbook of Return to Work

Part of the book series: Handbooks in Health, Work, and Disability ((SHHDW,volume 1))

Abstract

The identification of potential barriers for return to work using a biopsychosocial perspective has become increasingly important in understanding occupational disability. Despite its importance, the motivations to return to work are not understood well; it requires a clear awareness of the balance between gains and losses, especially in the medicolegal context. This chapter identifies the types of gains and losses (e.g., primary, secondary, and tertiary) and their economy as they affect an individual’s motivation to return to work. This can either perpetuate or lessen an actual disability. Finally, this chapter offers information and practical suggestions relevant to the management of secondary gains and losses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Life Science Building, Room 313, 501 Nedderman Drive, Box 19528, Arlington, TX, 96019, USA

    Yunhee Choi & Sali R. Asih

  2. International Department, Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims, Borgergade 13, POB 2101, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark

    Peter B. Polatin

Authors
  1. Yunhee Choi
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  2. Sali R. Asih
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  3. Peter B. Polatin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yunhee Choi .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. and Special Education, Dept. Edu. and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Canada

    Izabela Z. Schultz

  2. Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA

    Robert J. Gatchel

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Choi, Y., Asih, S.R., Polatin, P.B. (2016). Understanding Motivation to Return to Work: The Economy of Gains and Losses. In: Schultz, I., Gatchel, R. (eds) Handbook of Return to Work. Handbooks in Health, Work, and Disability, vol 1. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7627-7_4

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