Vocationally oriented cognitive behavioural training for the very long-term unemployed

Background: The very long-term unemployed (i.e. those unemployed for more than 2 years) face serious mental health problems and social difficulties in regaining employment. Aims: To assess the effectiveness of a pilot vocationally oriented cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) programme on mental health and vocational outcomes among a group of very long-term unemployed. Methods: A pre-test-post-test design with follow-up assessment at 12 weeks was used to assess the effects of CBT group training on mental health, self-esteem, optimism and attitudes to work. Participants were recruited through employment agencies in Sydney, Australia. Results: Twelve weeks following CBT training, the 21 participants reported increased optimism and attitudes to work, and more than half of them had participated in some kind of paid employment. Conclusions: While this study is small and non-generalizable, the findings suggest the value of vocationally oriented CBT approaches in assisting the very long-term unemployed to get back into the workforce.