本研究的主要目的為探討慢性精神病友之就業經驗。本研究根據質性研究的紮根理論(grounded theory)研究法,透過深入訪談和參與性觀察共8位慢性精神病友,來深入了解台灣慢性精神病友之就業經驗。本研究結果呈現一個刻劃台灣慢性精神病友之就業經驗的理論模型。在紮根理論研究法原則下,以理論性取樣來進行資料收集,並採用開放、主軸及選擇性方式譯碼,及持續不斷的比較法進行資料的分析。 依據研究結果顯示這些慢性精神病友因為精神疾病污名化現象、雇主的刻板印象、同事的認同感不足、家屬的支持不足與過度保護、以及疾病所帶來的影響等造成在就業歷程中遭遇極大的困境。然而,社會支持與自我效能在其就業窘境中將會影響慢性精神病友採取之因應策略,進而改變其就業結果。依據本研究結果,研究者針對臨床實務、政府政策與未來研究提出幾點建議,期許能夠協助慢性精神病友在就業路上更加順利。
The aim of this study was to explore the employment process of persons with chronic mental illness. A qualitative research approach, grounded theory, was used in this study to enhance the understanding of these experiences. In-depth interviews and participant observations were conducted with 8 persons with chronic mental illness to gain insight into the experience of their employment experiences. In keeping with the tenets of grounded theory, theoretical sampling was used together with the constant comparative method of data collection and analysis in addition to open, axial, and selective coding. A theoretical model delineating the employment experiences of those persons with chronic mental illness surfaced. This study found that those persons with chronic mental illness were faced a great difficulty in the process of return to work which resulted from the stigma of mental illness, employer’s stereotype of mental illness, coworkers who lack of receptivity, lack of family support or over protective, and some complications of mental illness. However, social supports and self-efficacy emerged as the most important category that influenced their strategies to manage this difficulty, which will then influenced the consequences of employment. Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations were made for the healthcare practice, government policy, and future study in hopes of helping those persons with chronic mental illness in the employment process.