The Self Employment Starts with You (SESY) study used qualitative and survey data to examine self-employment as a strategy to improve career options and financial outcomes for individuals with a psychiatric disability and to understand the experience of current business owners. The people surveyed include 60 self-employed individuals with a history of psychiatric disability who were operating U.S.-based business enterprises with fewer than five employees in 2016.
People who are labeled with mental disorders experience high rates of unemployment, discrimination, and lack of access to education and work opportunities. Self-employment can be a uniquely valuable option for improving career outcomes, and provide opportunities for creative and economic independence. The goal was to understand the experience of current business owners, and provide useful information to aspiring business owners. Self-employment can offer opportunities for work time self-care, improved earning, choice, and an accepting, supportive, trauma-informed work environment customized to individual needs while reducing employment disparities.
The SESY survey was an important first step in learning about small business owners who have experienced mental health problems. The project was conducted by individuals who identify as having a psychiatric history. This type of research is useful for raising awareness and identifying areas for future research.
Research Briefs
These three research briefs based on the study findings address different topics in self-employment are designed for the public, individuals with disabilities, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. Three research briefs addressing different topics in self-employment will be released in December 2017. These briefs are designed for the public, individuals with disabilities, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.
This project was supported in part by grant number 90SF0020 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201.