Indiana Consortium For Mental Health
Services Research
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

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Abstract

Reprint # 33: The Effects of Hospital Closure on Mental Health Workers: An Overview of Employment, Mental and Physical Health, and Attitudinal Outcomes

Debra J. Mesch, Ph.D. John H. McGrew, Ph.D. Bernice A. Pescosolido, Ph.D. Diana R Haugh, M.S., R.N.

This article examines the physical, psychological, and attitudinal impact of the closure of Central State Hospital (CSH) on its former employees. Eighty-five former CSH employees were interviewed at two points in time, pre-closure and post-closure. Data on the psychological and physical health and employment attitudes of workers were collected prior to and eight months after organizational closure. Over time, workers had more positive attitudes about the hospital closure as well as reporting less depression, less work stress, and use of more coping strategies at post-closure. However, at post-closure, they also reported increased work conflict, lower income, and a more pessimistic outlook to­ward their future. Implications for hospital closure are discussed.