Improving the Employment Self-Concept of Persons with Disabilities

Research has indicated that self-concept can be an effective predictor of rehabilitation outcomes. The Comprehensive Labor and Employment Opportunities (CLEO) program was designed as a psychoeducational intervention to increase self-concept in persons with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in the CLEO program had a positive effect on the self-concept of persons with disabilities who were being served by the public rehabilitation program in Michigan. A quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group was employed for this study. Pre- and postmeasures of self-concept were taken using the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: 2nd edition (TSCS:2). Results revealed significant growth within the treatment group and significant difference in growth between treatment and control groups in the area of Total self-concept at the time of posttest. No significant differences were found in the area of Academic/Work self-concept. Implications for practice, education, and further research are discussed.