Chronic illness and return to work: a social cognitive perspective

Abstract

High unemployment rates for people with multiple sclerosis are frequently attributed to decreases in self-efficacy and outcome expectations with respect to job seeking and retaining tasks. Hence, return-to-work interventions must enable people with MS to develop positive expectations. They must believe (a) that they possess the abilities needed to respond effectively in the job interview and request reasonable job accommodations (self-efficacy) and (b) that they will secure employment as a result of their efforts (outcome expectations). Based on social cognitive strategies, the Accommodations Planning Team (APT) Seminar offers the skill training required for increasing employment-related efficacy and outcome expectations.

Keywords: Accommodation planning; Employment; Multiple sclerosis.