Rachel Mellenbruch

Bio: Rachel Mellenbruch is an academic researcher from Stormont Vail Health. The author has contributed to research in topics: Program evaluation & Intellectual disability. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 9 citations.

Career Design and Development for Adults with Intellectual Disability: a Program Evaluation

Abstract: Formal disability support systems are focusing on promoting integrated, community employment for adults with intellectual disability. This study describes and evaluates a novel approach to employment services that was implemented within a community service agency for adults with intellectual disability to promote such outcomes. The approach uses the Self-Determined Career Design Model (SDCDM) along with job development activities to fully involve the person with intellectual disability in the career design process. Nine out of 12 participants found integrated employment, working an average of 3.8 h a day, 2.3 days each week. Key components of the program include focusing on strengths, identifying environmental supports, and using research-based practices to support self-determination, job development, and career design.

Self-determination in adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Abstract: Purpose of review The importance of self-determination to wellbeing and life satisfaction has been established by research in motivation and education. The present review provides a synthesis of research in these areas at a time when the two lines of research are converging. Recent findings Research has established that youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are not as self-determined as their nondisabled peers and that this negatively impacts the quality of their lives. Further, research has established the positive benefits of a focus on self-determination assessment and intervention for people with IDD. Recent studies illustrate the shifting focus to a life-course development perspective of self-determination and the alignment of assessment and interventions with that perspective. Research on self-determination and IDD outside of the United States has dramatically increased. Summary Research shows that people with IDD who are more self-determined achieve more positive school and adult outcomes and higher life satisfaction. Assessment of and interventions to promote self-determination have increasingly emphasized all people and are aligning with research in motivation and positive psychology. This provides a foundation for promoting greater community, school, and work inclusion.

Antecedents of psychological well-being among workers within small and medium enterprises

Abstract: Orientation: In the contemporary business environment, employee mental health is neglected, especially in mental health research and practice in African Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This occurs even though this sector is the largest contributor to developed economies. This study highlights the importance of psychological well-being in SME performance and the individual employee.Research purpose: To investigate the influence of perceived organisational support, career goal development and empowering leadership on the psychological well-being of SME employees in Gauteng province, South Africa.Motivation for the study: Despite increasing research on SMEs, few studies have investigated the impact of perceived organisational support, career goal development, and empowering leadership on psychological well-being in a Southern African context.Research approach/design and method: This study followed a quantitative approach, using the survey methodology where a structured questionnaire was administered to 250 SME employees. To evaluate the psychometric properties of measurement scales, a confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses.Main findings: Perceived organisational support, career goal development and empowering leadership have a positive and significant impact on the psychological well-being of SME workers. A robust, positive and significant relationship exists between empowering leadership and psychological well-being.Practical/managerial implications: The results indicate that SME managers in South Africa should pay more attention to, or place greater emphasis on, supporting employees in their organisations, recognising and assisting them in achieving their goals, and empowering them to be happy at work. If the psychological well-being of employees is prioritised, SME business performance will ultimately improve.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the current body of Africa’s industrial psychology and mental health literature – a field that has received little research attention in developing countries like South Africa.

The Self-determined Career Design Model: Supporting Young People with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families in Home and Community Settings

Abstract: Researchers have found that enhanced self-determination can contribute to integrated employment and social inclusion outcomes for adults with disabilities. This chapter will provide an overview of the Self-determined Career Design Model (SDCDM) and research on its implementation. The SDCDM is an evidence-based career design model implemented by a facilitator (e.g. school professional, community service provider, or any supporter) to enable young people with disabilities to design their career trajectory. The SDCDM has the three phases: (1) set a goal, (2) take action and (3) adjust goal or plan. The SDCDM promotes social inclusion by enabling young people with developmental disabilities to leverage their strengths, interests and resources available to reach self-selected career-related goals. The chapter will specifically consider factors (e.g. culture, family background) that influence the development and expression of self-determination and goal-directed behaviour across the lifespan. A case study of the implementation of the SDCDM with two young women with developmental disabilities who participated in a larger study examining the impact of the SDCDM on employment outcomes will be used to demonstrate the use and impact of the model.

Exploring the Impact of Environmental Factors on Scores on the Self-Determination Inventory: Adult Report

Abstract: A long line of research has established a relationship between self-determination and positive adult outcomes. Findings from such research highlight that it is critical to provide opportunities and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to use skills associated with self-determination (e.g., decision-making, problem-solving, goal setting, and attainment) in environments where they live, work, and learn. However, various environmental factors (e.g., living arrangement, employment status) can be strong indicators of how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities develop and express their self-determination. Recently, the Self-Determination Inventory: Adult Report (SDI:AR) was developed as a technology-based measure of self-determination for adults with and without disabilities ages 18 and over. No studies have investigated how environmental factors influence responses on the SDI:AR, including responses to specific items linked to each of the essential characteristics defined by Causal Agency Theory. Using the SDI:AR validation data, this study examined how environmental factors impacted self-determination of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The findings show specific environmental factors impact overall self-determination for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as responses on SDI:AR items. Consistent with previous research, the present study suggests that certain environmental factors facilitate a greater expression of self-determination in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities while others restrict its expression. Findings from this study could inform environmental supports needed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to engage in self-determined actions throughout adulthood.