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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Increases Re-Employment of Job Seeking Worker's Compensation Clients

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Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine whether cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) would enhance employment outcomes in worker's compensation clients who were seeking employment. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to a standard job search assistance group that met for 4 hours/week for four weeks, or to a group that received standard job search assistance for 4 hours/week for the first two weeks and CBT for 4 hours/week for the next two weeks. Depression, Anxiety and Stress scores were measured prior to and on completion of the intervention, and employment outcomes were assessed at four- and ten-week follow-up. Results: Affective states decreased and employment was found more rapidly after CBT than after standard job search assistance. Conclusion: These findings indicate that CBT has a useful role in the rehabilitation of people on worker's compensation who are seeking employment.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to thank the staff at WorkFocus Australia; in particular Ms Kirrily Manning for opportunity to conduct this research, Ms Camille Greenwell, for her support and advice, Ms Kerrie Ann Pendal for her assistance in co-ordinating the groups and Ms Adrianna Voong for secretarial assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Perth, 6150, Western Australia, Australia

    Corina Della-Posta & Peter D. Drummond

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  1. Corina Della-Posta
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  2. Peter D. Drummond
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Correspondence to Peter D. Drummond.

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Della-Posta, C., Drummond, P.D. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Increases Re-Employment of Job Seeking Worker's Compensation Clients. J Occup Rehabil 16, 217–224 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-006-9024-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-006-9024-5

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