Motivation and emotion/Book/2023/Unemployment and mental health

Unemployment and mental health:
What is the relationship between unemployment and mental health?

Multimedia presentation (3 min)

Overview

Case study The study attempts to explore the impacts of unemployment, study area was the unemployed graduates of the social science faculty of the University of Dhaka. The study followed qualitative approach through using case study method. The impacts of unemployment are invariably alike on graduates-mental depression, embarrassment, socio-economic vulnerability, erosion of inner potentiality, degradation of personality and frustration. Case study method was used in investigation while checklist was used as data collection instrument. In depth face-to-face interviews were taken. The study explored that the social, economic, mental, personal costs are invariably same on graduates in the duration of unemployment. The status of unemployment begets a number cumulative negative impact on health, psychology, personality, social status, economic dependency and so on. Ultimately, it leads depression, embarrassment, anxiety. Rashid MH and Islam MA. (2020). Impacts of unemployment on graduates in Bangladesh: a case study, Br. J. Arts Humanit., 2(5), 87-94. https://doi.org/10.34104/bjah.020087094

Unemployment can lead to hopelessness and humiliation, while employment produces community and commitment to the common good (Oldfield, 2022). The lower level of psychological well-being among unemployed people is one of the most researched health effects of unemployment. According to research carried out by (Wilson & Finch, 2021), 43% of unemployed people in January 2021 had poor mental health. When people are willing and able to work but are unable to find suitable employment opportunities, this is referred to as being unemployed. Mental health is a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being; it is a spectrum, and everyone encounters ups and downs in their mental well-being throughout the course of their life. It has an impact on how people feel, think, and act, as well as how they manage stress, interact with others, and make decisions. The relationship between unemployment and mental health is complex but it can affect a person's mental health by causing stress and anxiety, social isolation, depression, self-esteem, and family and relationship strain. Primarily due to the lack of non-financial benefits that a job provides, such as social status, self-esteem, physical and mental activity, and the use of one's skills, unemployment can be linked to poor mental health (Bartley, 1994).

Numerous studies have investigated the link between unemployment and mental health, emphasizing the negative effects of job loss on psychological well-being. The lower level of psychological well-being among the unemployed is one of the most researched health effects of unemployment (Bartley, 1994).

The relationship between unemployment and mental health

Unemployment can have a negative impact on one's mental health, and mental health issues can also contribute to unemployment. There has been a significant and growing interest in the relationship between unemployment and well-being across multiple disciplines, including economics, sociology, work and organisational psychology, and public health (Gedikli et al., 2022). Based on nine longitudinal studies published between 1986 and 1996, (Murphy & Athanasou, 1999) conducted the first meta-analysis on the relationship between unemployment and mental health. According to the authors, the unemployed have poorer mental health than their employed colleagues. Unemployment also has immediate monetary costs, which also have been found to be an important predictor of psychological distress among the unemployed (Kessler et al., 1987). According to Liem and Liem (1988), unemployment causes psychological impairment after about 2 months. After 4 to 5 months, the symptoms worsen, and health continues to deteriorate between 8 and 12 months of continuous unemployment.

Mental Health

Mental health is an important aspect of an individual's overall well-being. It influences how people think, feel, and behave, shaping their interactions with others and their ability to cope with stress and adversity. Positive mental health promotes resilience, self-esteem, and the ability to maintain supportive relationships (Keyes, 2007), whereas negative mental health can cause emotional distress, strained relationships, and impaired daily functioning (World Health Organisation, 2001).Despite its importance, mental health faces a number of challenges, including stigma, which prevents open discussion and prevents individuals from seeking support (Corrigan, 2012). The burden of mental health disorders is significant, with conditions such as depression and anxiety affecting millions worldwide (Kessler et al., 2009).

Some strategies to foster mental health includes:

• Social Support - Social support is an important part of promoting mental health because it provides emotional, informational, and practical assistance, as well as a sense of validation and belonging, all of which contribute to well-being.Social support promotes psychological resilience, allowing people to recover from setbacks, and maintaining supportive relationships with family and friends promotes emotional well-being (Keyes, 2007).
• Promote Awareness - Recognising the significance of mental health awareness is critical to improving both individual and societal mental health. Furthermore, raising mental health awareness through education and public campaigns reduces stigma and promotes early intervention (Corrigan, 2012).Although there are challenges in mental health, acknowledging the importance of mental health awareness is critical to improving individual and societal mental health.
• Self-care and Mindfulness -Some practical techniques for self-care and mindfulness are, getting enough sleep, engaging in hobbies, practising relaxation, practising gratitude and maintaining social connections. According to a study conducted by (Hofmann et al., 2010), regular self-care routines can prevent mental health issues by promoting resilience and emotional stability, as well as decrease stress and anxiety.

Unemployment

Table 1. Types and causes of unemployment

Types of Unemployment	Causes
Structural Unemployment	Structural unemployment occurs when there is a misalignment between workers' skills and qualifications and the requirements of available job opportunities.Structural unemployment is most visible in industries undergoing technological advancements.
Frictional Unemployment	The most common cause of unemployment is frictional unemployment. Frictional unemployment is caused by temporary changes in workers' lives, such as when individuals relocate to a new city and need to find new employment.It is frequently regarded as a natural and rather short-term form of unemployment caused by the time it takes job seekers to find a job that matches their skills, preferences, and requirements.
Cyclic Unemployment	Cyclical unemployment, also known as demand-deficient unemployment, is a type of unemployment caused by business cycle fluctuations or economic downturns.The only reason for cyclical unemployment is when supply exceeds demand.

Theories of Unemployment and Mental Health

Unemployment can be emotionally draining and can set off a chain reaction of psychological problems. Exploring various psychological theories and models provides insights into the complex relationship between unemployment and mental health.Several psychological theories and models have been developed to better understand the relationship between unemployment and mental health, and these theories provide insight into the psychological mechanisms by which unemployment can have an impact on an individual's well-being. Understanding these theories and their implications allows to better address the psychological impact of unemployment and develop strategies to help those who are affected.

The impact of unemployment on wellbeing is explained by a variety of economic and psychological theories.

Social-psychological theory of hysteresis

Darity and Goldsmith (1993) proposed a hysteresis theory based on the negative social psychological consequences of long periods of unemployment, underemployment, or multiple spells of unemployment. Firstly, In social psychology, hysteresis refers to the idea that the effects of a particular experience, event, or social condition can have a long-term impact on individuals or groups, even after the initial cause has been removed or resolved. The social-psychological theory of hysteresis in unemployment emphasises the long-term effects of unemployment on individuals and communities. The psychological effects of unemployment, such as feelings of insecurity and anxiety, can last long after economic stability is restored. Additionally, unemployment experiences can have a significant impact on cultural and social memory, social identities, and group dynamics. Based on the hysteresis theory of unemployment, the psychological impact of losing a job can last long after employment is regained, and this was proved by a study conducted by (Paul & Moser, 2009), where even after the economic stability was restored, feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth frequently persisted with the individuals.

Latent deprivation theory

According to Jahoda (1981; 1982), having a job helps fulfil five crucial latent psychological needs: Time structure, social contact, collective purpose ( the sense of being useful to other people), status, and meaningful activities. An individual's ability to meet these psychological needs is diminished by unemployment, which increases distress levels. All five latent functions, according to Jahoda, correspond to psychological needs. In other words, satisfying these needs is required to maintain psychological well-being and Psychological suffering will result from a lack of these inputs.This theoretical psychological model was also the only model developed to answer the questions of whether and why employment is generally beneficial to mental health. (Paul et al., 2023) conducted a study to test the basic assumptions of this theory, and the results showed that employed people reported higher levels on all five latent functions than unemployed people.

Reverse causation theory

According to Kasl's (1982) "reverse causation theory," unemployment has a detrimental effect on a person's sense of self-worth. .A detrimental cyclical relationship between psychological health and job search activity results from the longer the person is out of the labour market, which causes more harm to the person's self-esteem. Kasl (1982) proposed that, while unemployment has a negative impact on self-esteem and psychological health in general, low self-esteem may have a negative impact on one's chances of re-employment. This is considered "the reverse causation hypothesis." A number of studies have provided empirical support for the reverse causation hypothesis. Winefield and Tiggemann (1985), for example, identified self-esteem as a factor that contributed to assisting unemployed people in finding employment. Similarly, (Iversen & Sabroe, 1988) found that unemployed people who were re-employed within a year had better mental health than those who remained unemployed.

Unemployment and Mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on unemployment and mental health worldwide.COVID-19, an abbreviation for "Coronavirus Disease," is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spread globally, resulting in a global pandemic. As a result of the pandemic, many businesses closed or reduced their operations, resulting in widespread job losses. Unemployment and job insecurity were major sources of stress for individuals and families around the world. It has also become increasingly clear that the health costs of COVID-19 are not limited to physical health but also on an individual's mental or psychological well-being.Rising unemployment rates also contribute to an increase in behavioural health disorders, resulting in additional suffering and deaths (Paul & Moser, 2009).

According to the UCL COVID-19 Social Study, happiness and life satisfaction levels were at their lowest in February 2021 since the study began in March 2020, with the economic situation playing a role in increased levels of poor mental health (COVID Social Study, n.d.).In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, unemployment rates rose by 40% between March and July 2020, and rates of severe psychological distress among those who lost their jobs were estimated to be up to 8.4 times higher than for those whose work was unaffected, depending on financial resources and social interaction (Griffiths et al., 2021).

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in large increases in unemployment in many countries, including South Africa, where it is estimated that between 2.2 and 2.8 million adults lost their employment from February to April 2020, as a result of the lockdown and widespread suspension of economic activity (Casale & Posel, 2021). A study conducted by (Posel et al., 2021) analysed the effect of job loss and job furlough on the mental health of individuals in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study found that among a sample of adults who were employed prior to the lockdown in South Africa, those who lost their jobs or whose jobs were furloughed reported significantly higher vulnerability to depression than those who retained employment.

Coping strategies and support during unemployment

Social support

Social support can provide guidance, assist with problems, disseminate information, address personal issues, and, when necessary, soothe and encourage (Agneessens et al., 2006). Social support, according to Mack and Rhineberger-Dunn (2019), is a byproduct of interpersonal work connections that can improve the recipient's well-being or coping skills. Unemployment is a difficult stage in one's life that can cause a variety of emotional, financial, and psychological difficulties. Individuals often feel isolated and uncertain during this time, making it critical to seek social connections and join support groups.Given that the job search is time-consuming and stressful, it may cause feelings of powerlessness, and loneliness (Teye-Kwadjo, 2021).

McKee-Ryan et al. (2005) used meta-analyses to support the idea that jobless teenagers who have social support are more prepared to deal with job loss and receive more assistance in finding new employment. Furthermore, other research has shown that social support assists job seekers in developing their psychological and social skills (Chen and Fellenz, 2020), which are critical for coping with the stress, anxiety, and trauma associated with unemployment. Unemployment can be a difficult time in one's life, but making social connections and joining support groups can help significantly. These connections offer emotional support, motivation, skills, and comprehension, ultimately assisting individuals going though unemployment.

Practising Mindfulness

Mindfulness practise has emerged as a valuable tool for enhancing well-being and promoting mental health. Mindfulness is a state of focused and nonjudgmental attention to the present moment, which is often associated with mindfulness meditation. It entails paying attention to one's thoughts, emotions, and sensations without attempting to change or judge them. According to studies, mindfulness-based treatment interventions can be effective for a variety of mental and physical health disorders. Grossman, Niemann, Schmidt, and Walach (2004) found that their mindfulness program was beneficial and effective for groups of people with a variety of mental and physical complaints in a meta-analytic study. Mindfulness training resulted in a significant reduction in mental concerns and a lower risk of relapse after depression; the results also revealed a higher sense of quality of life and self-efficacy.

(de Jong et al., 2013) conducted a study to investigate the effects of a Mindfulness training program on stress reduction, mind-fulness enhancement, job-finding self-efficacy, and motivation among unemployed people. The findings revealed that stress symptoms had decreased, while focus on daily activities had increased, and confidence in being able to find work had also increased in terms of motivation to attend job interviews.

The IAA model of mindfulness

In this video, Shauna Shapiro explains what she considers to be the three core components or models of mindfulness: intention, attention, and attitude.

Figure 5. The IAA model of mindfulness

According to the IAA model, mindfulness consists of three core components (Shapiro et al., 2006). Intention creates the context and motivation that fuels mindfulness practise. Intention connects us to what is most important - the ultimate goal, vision, and aspiration. Bringing awareness into focus and observing moment-to-moment internal and external experiences are all part of paying attention. Attitude describes the quality of our attention: it is kind, open, curious, and accepting.

Access to Mental Health Services

Unemployment presents a number of psychosocial challenges that can have a negative impact on mental health. The importance of mental health services cannot be overstated, and individuals who are unemployed who are going through a difficult time can benefit greatly from these services.Mental health services include a wide range of programs, treatments, and support systems that aim to promote and maintain psychological well-being. Mental health services are not just for people who have been diagnosed with a disorder. They assist individuals in managing stress, improving coping skills, and improving their emotional well-being, and this preventive aspect of mental health services can lead to overall improved mental health.

Quiz

1 How many latent psychological needs are there in the 'Latent deprivation theory' according to Jahoda?

	5
	3
	6

2 What is the main common type of unemployment?

	Cyclical
	Frictional
	Structural

Conclusion

The relationship between unemployment and mental health is complex and can vary depending on individual circumstances, coping mechanisms, and support systems. It is widely accepted that being unemployed is associated with poor mental health and well-being outcomes, with unemployment being regarded as one of the most stressful life events (van Eersel et al., 2019). Mass unemployment can result in profound existential experiences of loss and anxiety as a result of wide threats to fundamental needs for survival, social connection, and self-determination (Blustein et al., 2020). Understanding the various types of unemployment is critical for addressing the challenges and complexities that come with being unemployed. Each type of unemployment (structural, frictional, and cyclic) has distinct causes and consequences that necessitate specific policy interventions and support mechanisms. Society can work to reduce the impact of unemployment and promote greater economic stability and well-being for all by fostering economic growth, job creation, and social support systems.Different economic and psychological theories attempt to explain the effects of unemployment on well-being.Psychological theories highlight the emotional and cognitive experiences of job loss, whereas economic theories emphasize the structural and systemic influences on individuals' mental well-being. Unemployment and mental health become increasingly prominent public health issues during major economic crises, such as the one caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, both unemployment and poor mental health rates have risen the highest ever around the world. To address the mental health impact of unemployment, efforts should be made to provide access to mental health services, practice mindfulness, offer support groups, and develop job retraining programs to increase employability.

See also

• https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Motivation_and_emotion/Book/2014/Unemployment_and_motivation (Book chapter, 2014)
• unemployment and depression (Book chapter, 2023)
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_(mood) (Wikipedia)

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External links

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuhsXY4_sto
• https://www.ted.com/talks/tabitha_sindani_how_unemployment_became_the_ruby_in_my_life
• Unemployment and suicide in Australia (Black Dog Institute)
• Effects of unemployment on mental health in Australia (Beyond Blue)
• Employment transitions and mental health (National Library of Medicine)