Predictive factors of successful vocational re-integration in patients with chronic schizophrenia

Abstract

Vocational re-integration of patients with chronic schizophrenia remains even with the help of comprehensive integration programs a very ambitious aim. Therefore, a profound and up-to-date knowledge of vocational outcome predictors is imperative. The objective of the present study was, while minimizing the influence of the instruments used, to generate factors, which predict best the re-integration outcome. In a sample of 76 chronic schizophrenia patients ten relevant factors were derived from a factor analysis including 32 variables. In a second step the predictive value of these ten factors centering on vocational outcome were tested by logistic regression analysis. Participants who had a successful outcome showed a good vocational capacity before and during the two-week assessment phase, had no social deficits and no depressive-resignative coping strategies. Schizophrenia symptoms and cognitive deficits, however, were of minor relevance. The results of our factor-analytic approach confirm earlier findings that vocational functioning observed in a sheltered setting and social competence are the best predictors for successful vocational rehabilitation. Moreover, they serve to substantiate the necessity of developing therapeutic programs that enhance patients' hopefulness and self-confidence.