Work-related self-efficacy of occupational therapists in mental health

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aim: Changes in the mental health field have created new job expectations of occupational therapists (OTs). The present research investigated differences in general self-efficacy (GSE) and work-related self-efficacy (WRSE) between occupational therapists (OTs) working in psychiatric hospitals and OTs working in community-based mental health services. Method: Thirty-four OTs working in psychiatric hospitals and 30 OTs working in community-based settings (n = 60) completed the General Self Efficacy Scale (GSE) and the WRSE in Mental Health Occupational Therapy Scale (WSMOT). Results: The two groups showed no differences in total WRSE score. Both evinced high self-efficacy in direct intervention activities, and low self-efficacy in managing and counseling. Conclusion: Results enlighten an overall high WRSE, which indicates successful adaptation of OTs to changing roles and tasks in mental health, similar to studies in other countries. However, it reveals discrepancies between job demands and self-efficacy of OTs that should be addressed at educational and managerial levels.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)42-48
Number of pages7
JournalScandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2012

Keywords

  • General self-efficacy
  • Mental health occupational therapy
  • Occupational therapy education
  • Occupational therapy job demands
  • Questionnaire

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Work-related self-efficacy of occupational therapists in mental health'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this