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Functional improvement is a better predictor of steady work than medical improvement for individuals with mental health conditions

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Listed:
  • Joshua C Chang
  • Julia Porcino
  • Elizabeth Marfeo
  • Larry Tang
  • Howard Goldman
  • Elizabeth Rasch

Abstract

The Supported Employment Demonstration (SED) offered vocational and mental health services to recently denied disability benefit applicants with mental health conditions, along with other multiple co-morbidities, to evaluate the impact of evidence-based interventions on fostering employment and downstream benefits such as self-sufficiency, improved quality of life, and improved mental health. Using the SED public use file, we analyzed work outcomes for the study participants in relation to functional improvement, as measured by the Work Disability Functional Assessment Battery, vs. medical improvement. Using both Bayesian logistic regression models and neural networks, we found that functional improvement is a better predictor of steady work than medical improvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua C Chang & Julia Porcino & Elizabeth Marfeo & Larry Tang & Howard Goldman & Elizabeth Rasch, 2025. "Functional improvement is a better predictor of steady work than medical improvement for individuals with mental health conditions," PLOS Mental Health, Public Library of Science, vol. 2(8), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pmen00:0000384
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000384
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Darja Reuschke & Donald Houston & Paul Sissons, 2024. "Impacts of Long COVID on workers: A longitudinal study of employment exit, work hours and mental health in the UK," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(6), pages 1-18, June.
    2. Fiori, Francesca & Rinesi, Francesca & Spizzichino, Daniele & Di Giorgio, Ginevra, 2016. "Employment insecurity and mental health during the economic recession: An analysis of the young adult labour force in Italy," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 90-98.
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