Mental health specialty preference in occupational therapy: Using the theory of work adjustment to examine the influence of values, reinforcers and job satisfaction upon the level II fieldwork affiliatio

This research used the theory of work adjustment (Lofquist & Dawis, 1984) to examine the influence of satisfaction and congruence on specialty preference of mental health in occupational therapy. Students were assessed on each fieldwork II experience in mental health and physical disability on the variables of satisfaction using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) and measures of congruence based on values (MIQ-Minnesota Importance Questionnaire) and the assessment of reinforcers in the fieldwork environment (MJDQ-Minnesota Job Description Questionnaire). Specialty preference option was indicated as: mental health, physical disability or undecided.;The sample consisted of 380 students from 16 occupational therapy programs in the northeastern United States. A repeated measures design was employed with data collected longitudinally prior to level II fieldwork and at the midterm of the mental health and physical disability fieldwork experience. Data analysis used independent t-tests of difference scores on the MSQ which revealed significantly higher levels of general satisfaction (80.3) for the sample choosing mental health (p $<$.0005). Twelve percent indicated a preference for work in mental health. Ratings were at the satisfied level for the mental health fieldwork experience for those choosing the mental health specialty. This group rated the physical disability fieldwork (63.7) as "neither satisfied or dissatisfied". For those choosing physical disability, satisfaction ratings were similar for each experience and were in the "neither satisfied or dissatisfied" range. Levels of congruence did not predict specialty preference.;Only 43% of those preferring mental health had initially selected that area, while 78% of those designating a physical disability preference decided prior to fieldwork. Another finding was that a third of the mental health sample received scholarships with a work commitment upon graduation. In general, both groups rated supervision higher in the mental health fieldwork. Occupational therapy educational programs need to study the extent to which students enter the curriculum already sure of their practice preference and consider recruitment strategies to attract those interested in mental health. Furthermore, it is critical to require students to have level II fieldwork in mental health as over half of those selecting it did so after the clinical exposure.