Evaluating the impact of employability skill training on the self-efficacy of disadvantaged adults
| Date | 09 July 2024 |
| Pages | 52-67 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-05-2024-0082 |
| Published date | 09 July 2024 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion |
| Author | Dara Mojtahedi,Rosie Allen,Ellie Jess,Maria Ioannou,John Synnott |
Evaluating the impact of employability skill
training on the self-efficacy of
disadvantaged adults
Dara Mojtahedi, Rosie Allen, Ellie Jess, Maria Ioannou and John Synnott
Abstract
Purpose –Employability skillstraining programmes are an effective means for reducing unemployment
rates. Such programmes also havethe potential to improve the general well-being (e.g. self-efficacy) of
disadvantaged individuals, however, reliable longitudinal evaluations of the psychological benefits of
such programmes are limited.The present study evaluated the impact of an employability programme
offered to disadvantagedadults in North-West England on self-efficacy.Additionally, the study aimed to
identifyrisk factors for programme disengagementto identify at-risk groupsthat require further support.
Design/methodology/approach –Secondary longitudinal data pertaining to the background
characteristics, programme engagement and self-efficacy scores (repeatedly measured on a monthly
basis)of 308 programmeusers were analysed.
Findings –Results demonstrated that employability programme engagement significantly increased
self-efficacyscores. Additionally, the findings suggestedthat individuals with mental healthand learning
difficulties were more likely to disengage from the programme. The findings demonstrate that
employability programmes can have a positive impact on the well-being of individuals from
disadvantaged backgrounds, however, prolonged engagement is needed for which some individuals
requirefurther support with.
Originality/value –The present study analysed longitudinal data from a diverse sample of disadvantaged
individuals to reliably evaluate psychologicaloutcomes from employability training programmes.
Keywords Hardship, Self-efficacy, Intervention, Disability, Employment
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Low self-efficacy and unemployment among disadvantaged groups
Self-efficacy refers to the belief in one’s own ability to successfully perform tasks and overcome
challenges (Bandura, 1977;1986;1988). Rooted in Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory
(Bandura, 1977), research consistently indicates that self-efficacy plays a pivotal role in
shaping individuals’behaviours by positively influencing their responses to difficulties and
decision-making processes (Barbaranelli et al., 2019;Sheeran et al., 2016). For instance,
individuals that possess a strong belief in their own abilities experience greater motivation,
enabling them to pursue and commit to challenging goals (Zimmerman, 2000). Due to their
resilient belief in their ability to overcome challenges, someone with high self-efficacy is also
more likely to persevere in the face of adversity (Benight and Cieslak, 2011;Hamill, 2003).
They are also increasingly likely to believe that their efforts can lead to successful outcomes
(Pollack et al., 2012;Us
an et al., 2022). Considering the influential role of self-efficacy on an
individual’s ability to bounce back from adversity and overcome challenges, it is unsurprising
that self-efficacy is fundamental for building and maintaining positive mental health (Bai et al.,
2017;Siddiqui, 2015;Tahmassian and Jalali Moghadam, 2011). For instance, one large
Dara Mojtahedi is based at
Department of Psychology,
University of Huddersfield,
Huddersfield, UK.
Rosie Allen is based at
Department of Psychology,
University of Bolton, Bolton,
UK. Ellie Jess is based at
Charity Organisation, The
Mustard Tree, Manchester,
UK. Maria Ioannou and
John Synnott are both
based at Department of
Psychology, University of
Huddersfield,
Huddersfield, UK.
Conflict of interest statement:
The authors declare no
conflicts of interest. Whilst one
of the authors worked for the
charity providing the employ-
ability programme at the time of
the study, the charity had no
involvement in the conceptuali-
sation or analysis of the present
study.
PAGE 52 jMENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION jVOL. 29 NO. 1 2025, pp. 52-67, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 DOI 10.1108/MHSI-05-2024-0082
cross-sectional study revealed that low levels of self-efficacy were typically accompanied by
elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression (Muris, 2002). This makes sense when
considering the influential role self-efficacy has on coping styles (McBride and Ireland, 2016),
such that people with elevated levels of self-efficacy adopt healthier and more effective coping
strategies in times of stress (Chang and Edwards, 2015;Salas et al., 2017).
Several groups in society may be more susceptible to experiencing low self -efficacy, often
influenced by a combination of social, economic and systemic factors. In lig ht of current
literature and theoretical knowledge, self-efficacy is of particular impo rtance in populations
experiencing long-term unemployment (Arena et al.,2023). Long-term unemployment can
significantly diminish an individual’s economic stability and, without a regular income,
individuals may struggle to meet their basic needs, suc h as housing, food and health care.
This financial instability can undermine an individual’s confiden ce in their ability to control and
manage their life effectively (Conway et al., 2022;Fidelis and Mendonca, 2020;Mojtahedi
et al., 2021), leading to lower self-efficacy (Panari and Tonelli, 2022;Parola and Marcionetti,
2022). It has been shown that unemployed people who have lower l evels of self-efficacy are
more likely to remain unemployed for longer, when compared to individuals who had higher
levels of self-efficacy (Brewington and Nassar-McMillan, 2000;Knabe and Ra
¨tzel, 2011).
There are several factors, other than unemployment alone, that can impact on an i ndividual’s
perception of themselves and their self-efficacy (Maddy et al.,2015). This could, in part, be
explained by the high prevalence of physical and mental health issues among unem ployed
populations (Bartelink et al.,2020;Hollederer, 2019), which also impedes self-efficacy
(Bavojdan et al., 2011;Bidzan et al., 2020;Zhou et al., 2021). People dealing with physical
conditions or disabilities often encounter barriers in their dail y lives that generate perceptions
of helplessness and dependence on others, fuelling a lack of confid ence in their capabilities
(Martinez-Calderon et al., 2018;Morozova et al.,2015). Also, individuals with learning
disabilities may experience setbacks in education and employment, affecting th eir self-
perception and confidence (Heward et al.,2017;Lackaye et al.,2006). Those dealing with
mental health problems such as anxiety, depression or other ps ychiatric conditions, may
struggle with lower self-efficacy (Paul and Moser, 2009), as these challenge s can impact their
daily functioning, societal interactions and perceptions of per sonal agency (Bidzan et al.,
2020;Zhou et al.,2021). People who are in long-term unemployment are also considerably
more likely to have experienced a history of trauma or abuse in their lifetime (Liu et al.,2013;
Reed et al.,2003), which is linked to a diminished sense of sel f-efficacy (Hosey, 2012;Orava
et al.,1996
), often as a result of the psychological impact of their experiences, including
feelings of powerlessness and a lack of control.
The absence of a stable income makes people experiencing unemployment more
vulnerable to housing insecurity and homelessness (Robinson, 2008;Steen et al.,2012).
The lack of a stable living environment exacerbates negative self-perceptions and feelings
of helplessness, further eroding their self-efficacy (Mortimer et al., 2016). Substance
addiction, which is often linked to unemployment and homelessness (Steen et al.,2012;
Czaderny, 2020), creates a cycle of dependency, impacting the belief in their ability to
control their behaviours and make positive changes (Kadden and Litt, 2011;Yang et al.,
2019). Long-term unemployment, homelessness and addiction often carry social stigmas
that can result in isolation from friends, family and broader community networks (Peterie
et al., 2019). The sense of alienation and the perception of being judged negatively by
society can damage an individual’s self-esteem and self-worth, further diminishing their
belief in their ability to influence theircircumstances.
Employability training programmes
The interconnected nature of these issues creates a vicious cycle that perpetuates feelings
of helplessness and inadequacy. By providing support and opportunities for personal
development, society can contribute to breaking the cycle and empowering individuals to
VOL. 29 NO. 1 2025 jMENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION jPAGE 53
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