Abstract:

Compared with other rehabilitation methods, vocational rehabilitation is considered an “advanced form” of social reintegration for patients with severe mental disorders. Currently, few studies have explored the mechanism of vocational rehabilitation, and the theoretical explanation of its effectiveness is inconsistent. Based on this, combining the recovery concept and the characteristics of patients with mental disorders, this paper proposes an integrated model of vocational rehabilitation in terms of cognitive recovery, motivational recovery and behavioral recovery. The model aims to explore the practical mechanisms that promote the re-socialization of patients with mental disorders, specifically in the following areas:

First, the cognitive recovery mechanism involves strengthening working memory and cognitive intervention training. On the one hand, vocational rehabilitation expands the memory capacity of patients with mental disorders through working memory training, improves their impaired cognitive functions, and ultimately produces good work performance. On the other hand, through cognitive intervention training, vocational rehabilitation helps patients with mental disorders to increase cognitive flexibility, establish positive work beliefs, and ultimately promote re-socialization.

Secondly, the mechanism of motivational recovery consists of two paths: satisfying the needs of competence and enhancing self-efficacy. For example, vocational rehabilitation fulfills the competency and relational needs of patients with mental disorders through various skills training(e.g., work skills, social skills), fostering strong self-efficacy and increasing the likelihood of employment and social reintegration; Likewise, vocational rehabilitation utilizes problem-solving training to empower psychologically for patients with mental disorders, enhancing their sense of self-efficacy and building psychological resilience, which helps them achieve social integration.

Third, the behavioral recovery mechanism consists of two elements: diversified vocational behavioral goals and employment support services. Cognitively, vocational rehabilitation helps patients with mental disorders establish vocational behavioral goals through diversified vocational training, thus producing good social integration effects. From an operational point of view, the employment support services of vocational rehabilitation enhance the continuity of employment behaviors, so that patients with mental disorders can obtain stable job opportunities, thus highlighting the effectiveness of the practice in terms of social reintegration.

In summary, compared with other models, the strengths of this model are reflected in the following four aspects: reflecting the functional position of vocational rehabilitation “re-socialization”, clarifying the systematic mechanism of action, incorporating psychological outcomes, and the relevance to other groups of mental disorders.

Key words: vocational rehabilitation, patients with mental disorders, recovery, vocational rehabilitation model