ABSTRACT
Employment has been shown to be a strong predictor of recovery in individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and is often amongst the foremost reported goals of this population. Yet individuals with SMI continue to face high levels of unemployment and employment marginalisation. This article aims to outline three major career barriers unique to this population: interrupted vocational development, symptoms of the illness itself, and stigma and discrimination. Three theoretical lenses, Social Cognitive Career Theory, Cochran’s Narrative Career Theory, and Chaos Theory of Careers, will be utilised to frame these issues and to identify relevant and effective career interventions for individuals with SMI.
Conflict of interest statement
On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.
Data availability statement
Data availability is not applicable to this article, as it is entirely based on existing literature that is fully accessible to the public.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Informed consent and ethical statement
Informed consent and ethics review are not required or applicable to this article, as it is entirely based on existing literature that is fully accessible to the public.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Charles P. Chen
Charles P. Chen, PhD, is Professor of Counselling and Clinical Psychology and a Canada Research Chair in Life Career Development at the University of Toronto.
Ruth Siew
Ruth Siew is a graduate student in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Toronto.