Some implications of the psychological experience of unemployment

Abstract

This paper presents a summary of some of the implications gleaned from a research project which investigated the psychological influences on the experience of unemployment. Drawing from deprivation theory and the stress and coping literature, the research project explored coping resources, cognitive appraisals, coping behaviours, mental health, and reemployment. The results highlight the importance of considering a range of factors that could impact on the psychological well-being, job search behaviour, and reemployment prospects for unemployed individuals. Some of those factors include core self-evaluations, appraisals of deprivation or hardship, and activities that individuals pursue in their spare time. Suggestions are made for intervention strategies that can be tailored to the specific needs of the individual.