Return-to-work self-efficacy program for employees with psychological disorders

A return-to-work self-efficacy program was developed for employees with psychological disorders using the Return-To-Work Self-Efficacy Scale. Employees that had taken sick leave due to a psychological disorder participated in the study (N=25; 23 men and 2 women; Mean age 41.12 years; SD=7.67). The intervention program, which was based on the cognitive behavioral therapy approach consisted of two parts, CBT-1 and CBT-2. Six sessions of CBT-1 and CBT-2 were conducted. Self-evaluation and goal-setting using the Return-To-Work Self-Efficacy Scale were performed three times during the program. The results indicated that an increase in return-to-work self-efficacy resulted from CBT-1 and CBT-2. In particular, return-to-work self-efficacy increased from the middle to the second half of the program. A correlation between stress coping and the locus of control has been demonstrated in changes in return-to-work self-efficacy. Effective methods of supporting employees on sick leave are discussed.