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A Psychosocial Risk-Targeted Intervention to Reduce Work Disability: Development, Evolution, and Implementation Challenges

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Abstract

Research has been consistent in showing that certain psychosocial variables can increase the risk for prolonged work disability. Four psychosocial variables have emerged as robust predictors of disability across a wide range of debilitating health and mental health conditions. These include catastrophic thinking, symptom exacerbation fears, disability beliefs, and perceived injustice. The Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP) is a psychosocial risk-targeted intervention that was developed to reduce psychosocial barriers to work resumption in individuals with debilitating health or mental health conditions. This paper describes the conception, developmental process, and the evolution of the PGAP. Research studies are summarized that have played a significant role in the developmental trajectory of the PGAP. Some of the legal and legislation-relevant challenges that were faced in the development and implementation the PGAP are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

Research reported in this paper was partially supported by the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The authors thank Wendy Waller, Nicole Davidson, and Beatrice Garfinkiel for their assistance with data collection and data entry.

Conflict of Interest

The lead author receives royalties from the sale of the treatment manual associated with the intervention described in this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, McGill University, 1205 Docteur Penfield, Montreal, QC, H3A 1B1, Canada

    Michael J. L. Sullivan

  2. McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Heather Adams

  3. Center for Rehabilitation and Health, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Tamra Ellis

Authors
  1. Michael J. L. Sullivan
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  2. Heather Adams
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  3. Tamra Ellis
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Correspondence to Michael J. L. Sullivan.

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Sullivan, M.J.L., Adams, H. & Ellis, T. A Psychosocial Risk-Targeted Intervention to Reduce Work Disability: Development, Evolution, and Implementation Challenges. Psychol. Inj. and Law 6, 250–257 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-013-9171-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-013-9171-x

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