Temporary Disability Pension, RTW-Intentions, and RTW-Behavior: Expectations and Experiences of Disability Pensioners over 17 Months

Sonia Lippke, Natalie Schüz and Elisabeth Zschucke
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Sonia Lippke: Department of Psychology & Methods, Jacobs University Bremen, 28759 Bremen, Germany
Natalie Schüz: Deutsche Rentenversicherung Oldenburg-Bremen, 28209 Bremen, Germany
Elisabeth Zschucke: Deutsche Rentenversicherung Oldenburg-Bremen, 28209 Bremen, Germany

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Purpose : Individuals receiving a temporary disability pension (TDP) should get the opportunity to return to work (RTW). The current study aims to determine the factors contributing to RTW. Methods : 453 individuals on TDP were interviewed at three measurement points (T1, T2 = T1 + approximately 7 months, T3 = T1 + approximately 17 months). Socio-demographics, psychological predictors, and current work status (maintained TDP, permanent disability pension, old-age pension, employed, or receipt of other benefits) were assessed. Results : Throughout the duration of the study, only four of the former temporary disability pensioners returned to work, and an additional seven made themselves available to the labor market. These were individuals who were younger, in TDP for a shorter period of time, and reported a higher RTW-intention. Higher RTW-intention was cross-sectionally associated with younger age, shorter TDP duration, and more positive outcome expectancies. Additionally, study participants who expected that medical rehabilitation would help them RTW were more motivated to RTW. An increase in RTW-intention over 17 months was related to younger age and better health. Conclusion : Personal factors such as self-efficacy and job-related variables appear less important for RTW than age and subjective health status. The observed RTW rates call for early support and tailored medical rehabilitation interventions that help individuals prevent functional limitations, overcome disability, and facilitate RTW.

Keywords: return to work; intention; self-efficacy; outcome expectancies; medical rehabilitation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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