Race, personal history characteristics, and vocational rehabilitation outcomes : a structural equation modeling approach
Numerous studies have indicated racial and ethnic disparities in the vocationalrehabilitation (VR) system, including differences in eligibility, services provided, andemployment outcomes. Few of these studies, however, have utilized advancedmultivariate techniques or latent constructs to measure quality of employment outcomes(QEO) or tested hypothesized models for the relationship between race, personal historycharacteristics, and VR outcomes. Furthermore, few VR disparities studies haveexamined southwestern states such as Texas, which has large Hispanic and Blackpopulations.The purpose of this study was to utilize structural equation modeling (SEM) toexamine several implied conceptual models for the relationship between race, personalhistory characteristics, and VR outcomes for White, Black, and Hispanic participants inthe Texas VR system. The implied conceptual models were tested for goodness of fitand multiple-group invariance. A measurement model for QEO, a latent construct, wastested and used in the study. QEO was measured by three indicator variables and evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. A MIMIC model was tested to assessracial/ethnic variation in QEO. The MIMIC results were compared to a multipleregression approach. In addition, a path model and logistic regressions were conductedto assess racial variation in VR closure status among consumers who were unemployedat application to VR. All models were retested with an independent sample to assesspredictive validity.The study results indicated good model fit and measurement invariance for theQEO construct. The structural model for race, personal history characteristics, and QEOindicated moderate model fit. It also indicated interaction effects for race by gender andfor race by public support. The MIMIC model results suggest that QEO decreased forBlacks and Hispanics compared to Whites. Furthermore, the MIMIC results, whichutilized QEO as an endogenous variable, differed from the multiple regression findings,which utilized one criterion. The multiple regression findings indicated no statisticallysignificant difference between Blacks and Whites. The path model for race and VRclosure status indicated poor model fit. The logistic regression indicated no racial/ethnicdifferences in VR closure status. Several model estimates did not cross-validate. Studylimitations and suggestions for future research are described.
Year of publication: |
2009-05
|
---|---|
Other Persons: | Sorrells, Audrey McCray (contributor) |
Subject: | Vocational rehabilitation | Racial disparity | Ethnic disparity | Employment outcomes | Structural equation modeling |
Saved in:
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