Why consider trauma in vocational rehabilitation? Insights from cognitive model of PTSD and self-determination theory

Background Individuals with disabilities are at an increased risk of trauma exposure. The cognitive model of posttraumatic stress, combined with Self-Determination Theory (SDT), provides a useful conceptual framework for understanding how trauma exposure leads to reduced basic psychological needs satisfaction at the work. Objective This study aims to investigate the structural relationships among trauma exposure, posttraumatic cognition, and basic psychological need satisfaction at workplace, showing how traumatic experiences of employees with chronic illness and disabilities (CID) affects their basic psychological needs fulfillment at work, with posttraumatic beliefs as a mediator. Method An online survey of 183 participants with CID was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Two competing models were compared to determine the model with better fit. The selected model was then examined for structural validity and coefficient estimations. Results The full mediation model was selected with strong measurement structures. Path estimations revealed that increased trauma exposure has a negative indirect effect on basic psychological needs, fully mediated by increased posttraumatic cognitive beliefs. Conclusion Trauma exposure and associated cognitive distortions can create significant barriers to successful work outcomes for individuals with CID. Integrating trauma-informed care into vocational rehabilitation (VR) services may help mitigate these challenges and support successful VR outcomes.