Self-Efficacy and Work Behavior of Individuals with Intellectual Disability Working in Vocational Settings: An Intervention Study
Author : Sriveni Devaruppala and Saroj Arya
Abstract :
Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) have the right to dignity, participation, meaningful employment, and social inclusion. However, the transition to adulthood is often associated with limited employment opportunities, dependence on family members, and difficulties in developing the skills required for competitive and sustained work. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured vocational intervention programme in enhancing work self-efficacy and work behaviour among adults with mild to moderate ID. The initial sample comprised 120 individuals aged 20–45 years enrolled in vocational training settings at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (Divyangjan), Secunderabad, Telangana. Following attrition due to irregular attendance, withdrawal of consent, and health-related concerns, 100 participants completed the intervention and were included in the final analysis. A three-month structured vocational intervention comprising 26 sessions, including 16 vocational training sessions and 10 follow-up sessions, was implemented. Sessions were conducted for approximately two hours using individual and group formats and incorporated modelling, role play, reinforcement, guided practice, and performance feedback. Standardized measures of work self-efficacy and work behaviour were administered before and after the intervention. The findings demonstrated statistically significant improvements in most dimensions of work self-efficacy and work behaviour, particularly in work readiness, task accomplishment, responsibility, regularity, quality of work, and interpersonal functioning, while persistence and memory at work showed comparatively limited change. Post-intervention outcomes also varied significantly according to selected individual and vocational characteristics, particularly IQ level, type of vocational training, and work experience. Overall, the findings suggest that structured and individualized vocational interventions can strengthen work-related confidence, functional work behaviours, and employment readiness among adults with ID. Such interventions may contribute to greater independence, participation in economic activities, and social inclusion.
Keywords :
Intellectual disabilities, vocational training, work self-efficacy, work behaviour, vocational intervention, employment readiness, economic independence.
