Intentions to work during terminal illness: An exploratory study of antecedent conditions

• 成果类型: Article; Proceedings Paper
• 署名作者: Westaby, JD; Versenyi, A; Hausmann, RC
• 署名单位: Columbia University; Columbia University Teachers College
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0021-9010
• DOI: 10.1037/0021-9010.90.6.1297
• 发表日期: 2005
• 页码: 1297-1305
• 关键词: working during illness; intrinsic reasons; disability; intentions; EMPLOYMENT

摘要

Facing a terminal illness is an unimaginably difficult experience, yet many individuals intend to work despite their prognosis. However, research has not systematically examined the potential antecedents underlying such intentions. Using behavioral intention theory as an underlying framework, this study hypothesized that reasons for working (intrinsic and extrinsic), the will to live, disability severity, accessibility of travel, and age would predict intentions to work during terminal illness. A representative sample of medically diagnosed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's disease) patients with a mean life expectancy of approximately 3 years participated (mean age = 57.8 years). Controlling for length of diagnosis, employment status, and demographic variables, results indicated that intrinsic reasons were particularly strong predictors of intentions, followed by age, disability severity, and accessibility of travel. Exploratory findings also indicated that behavioral intentions were positively related to future employment status, consistent with past theory.