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

Publisher: American Psychological Association Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 0222526 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 0021-9010 (Print) Linking ISSN: 00219010 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Appl Psychol Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: Washington Dc : American Psychological Association
Original Publication: Washington [etc.]

Intention*; Motor Neuron Disease/*psychology ; Work/*psychology; Adaptation, Psychological ; Age Factors ; Attitude to Death ; Disability Evaluation ; Female ; Humans ; Internal-External Control ; Life Expectancy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motivation ; Prognosis ; Sick Role

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. ((c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved).

Date Created: 20051201 Date Completed: 20060209 Latest Revision: 20051130

20221213

10.1037/0021-9010.90.6.1297

16316283