Unemployment and underemployment have been related to a host of physical and mental health problems. In a follow-up study of young black men reared in female headed families, subjects were grouped in employment categories of superachievers, average, underemployed, and unemployed. Employment status was related to social adjustment and current life experiences ratings. Superachievers felt more competent, had higher aspirations, and were more satisfied with their lives than members of other groups. Longer father presence in the home was associated with more successful employment, as was a highly educated mother. Socioeconomic differences between the groups were slight and did not account for any direct or indirect effects. Strongest predictors of employment status were high school grades and length of father presence. Age, mother's age, and family income during the preschool and high school years also entered into the predictive equation.
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