With survivors of road trauma at risk of experiencing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more routinely seeking psychosocial and vocational rehabilitation services, published research findings on the impact of PTSD on occupational functioning following road trauma are of increasing interest. This report investigates the literature in this area to highlight findings that may guide the development of public policy and interventions to improve occupational functioning post-accident. A comprehensive search of the psychiatric and psychological literature in the subject area was undertaken for the period 1980-1998. In the absence of a conceptual framework empirical findings have focused on one aspect of occupational functioning, individual ability, at the expense of other contributing factors from both the individual and work environment. Very little research has been focused on developing a model that would explain the impact of PTSD on occupational functioning following road trauma. The absence of an empirically supported theoretical framework hinders the development of appropriate preventative interventions and tailored vocational rehabilitation for individuals with PTSD. (A)
Abstract