Validation of a model for continued employment for general workers with mental illness: A covariance analysis based on evidence from Japan

Aim: To clarify the relationship and structure of the factors that influence the outcomes of continuous employment for people with mental illness and examine the necessary support for this.

Methods: The hypothesis was developed based on previous concept analysis results. To test it, a questionnaire was used comprising 21 items on the ability to continue working, 24 items on basic competencies for independent living, 21 items on workplace environment, and 27 items on outcomes of continuous employment. The study randomly selected 200 organizations in Japan serving as consultation centers for people with mental illness to recruit participants aged 20-59 years old registered at these entities as of April 1, 2022. Goodness of fit was evaluated between the models and the data.

Results: Responses were received from 296 individuals. The direct effect on the outcome of continuous employment from the basic competencies for independent living was 0.48 and that from the ability to continue working was 0.29, indicating that basic competencies for independent living had a stronger influence on the outcome of continuous employment. Combining the ability to continue working and basic competencies for independent living showed a high path coefficient of 0.56 with workplace environment, indicating a strong influence on the workplace.

Conclusions: People with mental illnesses, workplace staff, and professionals should work together to foster a supportive workplace environment. Professionals should also keep in mind the potential positive impact that people with mental illnesses can have on workplace dynamics.