Publication Date

2009

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Employee assistance programs, Employees-Counseling of, Industrial psychiatry, Industrial welfare, Job stress-Patients-Counseling of, EAP, Presenting concerns, Employee, Employee assistance professional

Abstract

This study explored current trends in the most commonly presented areas of concern Employee Assistance (EA) professionals observed among their clients. It is important to understand a comprehensive view of the state of current issues in the field as well as the individual in context and the role work plays in individuals' lives; from providing a source of income to a sense of self. A nonprobability expert sample of 111 EA professionals was recruited through participants' membership in professional organizations and a web-based group related to the field. Participants held master's level certification or greater in mental health-related fields, were certified in the EA field (CEAP), and currently provided EA services. Participants took part in a quantitative online survey and were given an opportunity to participate further in brief follow-up phone or email interviews. Research found "Stress-related concerns," "Mental health," and "Marital concerns" to be the top three concerns seen among EA clients. The effects of these issues among our workforce can be widespread (e.g., physical health impacts) and costly (e.g., insurance increases). The findings of this study were both significant and representative of the EA field. Identifying the prevalence of these concerns is of major importance to providers and organizations who need this information to allocate resources for providing services and indicates the importance of having trained professionals available to assist individuals. This study's findings also defend the position that mental health issues should achieve the same status (parity) physical health issues currently hold with regard to insurance benefits.

Language

English

Comments

vi, 77 p. :col. ill. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2009. Includes bibliographical references (p. 63-65

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