• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.67 no.4
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• pp.227-249
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of work between Asian Americans and white Americans living with mental illness. Employment is important for recovery of Asian Americans with mental illness. However, little is known about reasons of low participation and completion rates on recovery and employment services for Asian Americans with mental illness. Although few studies have suggested that exploring cultural difference is a key to understand these issues, no study have explored how their culture influences a viewpoint on work. Therefore, a study to explore the meaning of work and influences of culture on work is required. This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. An Internet version of world of work survey was developed based on results of study by Millner(2015) and cognitive interview. The survey was conducted from May to August 2015 and 91 people living with mental illness completed the survey. T-test was used for analyzing qualitative data and researchers analyzed qualitative data. Asian Americans showed higher preference for employment and have more difficulty at workplace and in receiving recovery and vocational services. The findings from this study can inform the development of recovery-oriented employment for people living with mental illness from diverse ethnic groups.