Cognitive behavioural therapy increases re-employment of job seeking worker's compensation clients.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine whether cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) would enhance employment outcomes in worker's compensation clients who were seeking employment.

METHODS

Participants were randomly assigned to a standard job search assistance group that met for 4 hours/week for four weeks, or to a group that received standard job search assistance for 4 hours/week for the first two weeks and CBT for 4 hours/week for the next two weeks. Depression, Anxiety and Stress scores were measured prior to and on completion of the intervention, and employment outcomes were assessed at four- and ten-week follow-up.

RESULTS

Affective states decreased and employment was found more rapidly after CBT than after standard job search assistance.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that CBT has a useful role in the rehabilitation of people on worker's compensation who are seeking employment.