Unemployment and its Effects

How can being unemployed impact you and how can you combat the potential effects?

The loss of a job can cause significant distress within individuals.  A recent meta-analytic study* by Paul and Moser (2008) has indicated that the amount of distress one experiences in relation to unemployment can vary based on socioeconomic status, gender, and length of unemployment. 

The article details a variety of experiences one may face in the event of unemployment. These experiences can range from anxiety, lack of self-efficacy, depression, and even an impact on physical well-being.

Despite these potential outcomes, the University of California – Davis offers several methods to help overcome and cope with the loss of a job:

·         Stay in touch with those around you - Be open and honest with family and friends about the loss of the job and any feelings.  This will create supportive social networks, which can improve mental health and efficacy.  Additionally, others may offer advice or know about vocational opportunities.

·         Take this time as a positive opportunity -While searching for a job will require some effort, the amount of free time available will increase significantly.  Discover a new hobby, spend some time with family, and take care of yourself.  Remember that additional stress from sleep-deprivation or lack of a proper diet will have an impact on your physical well-being. 

·         Plan appropriately - Financial stress is one of the most common sources of distress in the loss of a job.  By planning accordingly, one can determine the essentials and alleviate some stress surrounding financial woes.

*Meta-analysis is a method of research that allows for synthesis of a large number of previously-existing studies.  Essentially, it is research about research!  Meta-analysis is regarded as one of the best methods of study, because it allows researchers to investigate large amounts of data and a large range of populations in one study.

Coping with the Stress of Layoff and Unemployment - ASAP - Human Resources. (n.d.). Welcome to UC Davis Health System . Retrieved October 5, 2013, from http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/hr/hrdepts/

Paul, K. I., & Moser, K. (2009). Unemployment impairs mental health: Meta-analyses. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 74(3), 264-282.