The Role of Self-Beliefs in Predicting Postschool Outcomes for Deaf Young Adults

The aim of this study was to explore the role of self-beliefs in predicting postschool outcomes for deaf young adults in transition from secondary settings. Three self-level constructs were explored: self-concept, self-determination, and expectations about the future. This study utilized data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) that collected longitudinal data from youths with disabilities across the nation, 550 of which were deaf or hard of hearing and met the selection criteria in this study. This study examined the relationships between these deaf adolescents’ self-beliefs and actual future achievements that were reached as they transitioned to adult life, in three domains: life, employment, and education. Despite the generally positive self-beliefs of deaf individuals, which were, in some cases, related to postschool outcomes, the self-beliefs assessed in this study did not emerge as comprehensive predictors of postschool attainments. Findings suggest that for deaf individuals, successfully navigating transitions to adult life involves dimensions beyond individual agency. Positive self-beliefs are clearly a part of successfully attaining postschool outcomes, but deaf individuals may not have full access to equitable opportunities to capitalize on these beliefs.     

Community-Based Collaboration in Prevention and Mental Health Promotion: Benefiting from and Building the Resources of Partnership

Successful primary prevention and promotion initiatives in mental health recognize and include the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Community-based collaboration is an important strategy for achieving this balance and for facilitating the achievement of other key characteristics that are consistently associated with effective programs. We examine the powerful benefits of collaboration – described in terms of the resources contributed by each partner as well as the environment and processes created by diverse partners working together – within the context of ten characteristics of successful prevention and promotion programs. We also review some of the most common challenges to collaboration and offer recommendations for overcoming them in order to facilitate success in mental health promotion.     

Making the Case for IPS Supported Employment

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based practice for helping people with severe mental illness (SMI) gain competitive employment, yet those who could benefit often find it difficult to obtain IPS services. We summarize the evidence supporting the effectiveness of IPS and the benefits of working, discuss the barriers to implementing IPS in the U.S., and suggest policy changes that could expand its access.