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The Psychological Impacts Of Long-Term Unemployment, Sex Differences And Activity: A Case Study Analysis, Juanita Muller, Brian Delahaye, Sharon Winocur, Richard Hicks

Richard Hicks

There is renewed interest in the use of qualitative methods in the unemployment research arena to provide a richer understanding of the unemployment experience. This study is designed to investigate the effects of long-term unemployment on psychological well-being, sex differences and the effects of participating in 'activity' using a case study methodology. Findings from ten semi-structured interviews with people, unemployed between 12 and 36 months, showed that psychological distress, depression and life satisfaction were the most affected psychological variables. Financial difficulties also have a major impact on psychological well-being. The social policy implications from this study suggest that women may …