Critical elements in the experience of virtual reality job interview training for unemployed individuals with serious mental illness: Implications for IPS supported employment.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who re-enter the labor market after extended unemployment may benefit from exposure to job interview training. This study explored the processes and perceived benefits of preparing for interviews using Virtual Reality Job Interviewing Training (VR-JIT) among employment specialists (ESs) and clients within the individual placement and support (IPS) model of supported employment. METHOD: This study analyzed secondary qualitative data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of VR-JIT including qualitative focus groups comprised of IPS employment specialists (n = 11) and IPS clients (n = 13), semistructured interviews with IPS employment specialists (n = 3), and semistructured interviews with IPS clients (n = 3). Additionally, semistructured interviews with IPS employment specialists (n = 8) who naturalistically implemented VR-JIT at four community mental health agencies independent of the RCT. All focus group and interview data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. RESULTS: Three main processes were viewed by employment specialists (and their clients) as beneficial for individuals with SMI receiving IPS with VR-JIT: (a) exposure to a simulated interview in a safe environment; (b) practicing and receiving job interviewing feedback; and (c) improved confidence and motivation in job seeking. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: VR-JIT improved IPS participants' confidence in job seeking through proposed mechanisms of exposure to a simulated job interview and repetition and practice of job interview skills. These critical elements indicate that VR-JIT has the potential to improve IPS client engagement particularly with those who have had prolonged periods of unemployment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

How early stigmatizing experiences, peer connections, and peer spaces influenced pathways to employment or education after a first-episode of psychosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the pathways to employment, education, and/or disability among young adults with First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) with the intent to reduce poverty and disability among this population. METHOD: Using a critical case design, 10 young adults (ages 21-28) completed two qualitative interviews exploring the key moments that influenced their pathway toward employment and education or disability after experiencing a first-episode of psychosis. Participants had lived experience of an FEP, had completed a Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) program, and were members of the Early Assessment and Support Alliance's Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC). Qualitative analysis was completed using a four-step template approach and focus group. RESULTS: Early stigmatizing behavior by hospital staff and the diagnostic label of psychosis challenged participants' self-identity and self-confidence which led to a pause in vocational activities. Meeting peers (i.e., other individuals who had experienced a first-episode of psychosis) through their CSC program normalized their psychosis diagnosis and alleviated feelings of self-stigma; this was integral in returning to and initiating new employment and education goals. YALC involvement provided opportunities for practicing work skills, such as public speaking, and additional peer support that further eradicated self-stigma and improved connection to employment. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Implications for CSC models include broad consideration of the ways that early psychiatric labeling can construct self-stigma, and how this phenomenon stunts the self-confidence needed to pursue employment and education goals. Specific recommendations include utilizing peer connections, peer spaces, and peer-delivered anti-stigma interventions to enhance employment and education pathways. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).