• Lynn Shaw, Ruth Segal, Helen Polatajko, and Karen Harburn.
• Rehabilitation Science, The University of Western Ontario, Canada. leshaw@uwo.ca
• Disabil Rehabil. 2002 Mar 10; 24 (4): 185-95.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate and discuss how individuals' subjective perceptions of personal and environmental issues influence return to work behaviour.MethodA qualitative design utilizing in-depth interviews and maximum variation sampling of 11 individuals who either returned to work or withdrew from work after a health leave was conducted. Experiences elicited were analysed using the constant comparative method followed by a member check with participants to confirm findings and interpretations.ResultsFindings underscored the importance of two key constructs in understanding return to work from the individual's perspective: the personal meaning of disability and return to work relevancy. Throughout the experience of getting better and returning to work participants reflected upon the impact of personal and external factors that contributed to their work disability, sought clarity of their performance capacities and examined the importance of work and the consequences of work disability within their life circumstances.ConclusionsInsights into an individual's perceptions of their impairment and the personal relevance of work can promote a better understanding of return to work behaviour. Integrating individual perceptions is essential to advancing a multidimensional approach in return to work research.

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