Age Differences in Coping With Job Loss

Abstract

AGE DIFFERENCES IN COPING WITH JOB LOSSUsing a national sample of unemployed workers from a range of ages, this study investigated the experience of coping with the stressor of involuntary job loss from an aging perspective. Based on previous research, it was expected that the process of coping with involuntary job loss would differ across the life-span as older workers face unique additional stressors. This study tested:(1) whether older unemployed workers cognitively appraised the loss of their jobs more negatively than younger unemployed workers, (2) whether the use of action-oriented problemfocused job loss coping strategies was stable across age, while the use of distress-reducing emotion-focused job loss coping strategies increased with age, and (3) whether the higher use of emotion-focused job loss coping strategies was positively related to subjective well-being and life satisfaction for older adults. Results indicated that cognitive appraisal of involuntary job loss was perceived as more intense and less reversible as age increased, but age was not related to use of coping strategies and the outcomes of well-being and life satisfaction. This study reviewed and integrated job loss and aging literature. Findings are pertinent for the policies of downsizing organizations, the counseling provided by mental health professions, and the coping of unemployed workers of all ages.

A qualitative study exploring the experiences of unemployed youth in Chatsworth, South Africa.

“…Individuals are able to cope with the stress associated with unemployment if they provide themselves with positive self-messages, reframing concepts of self-worth, and rethinking their career paths (Letsie, 2009). Ermann (2011) found that the two coping strategies unemployed people use are problemfocused coping and emotion-focused coping. In problem-focused coping, the individual objectively and analytically takes action by deliberately mitigating or eliminating the stressor, for example the individual could move to another country where employment prospects are better, study a new qualification or learn a new skill, actively search in newspapers or on the internet for job opportunities (Ermann, 2011).…”

“…Ermann (2011) found that the two coping strategies unemployed people use are problemfocused coping and emotion-focused coping. In problem-focused coping, the individual objectively and analytically takes action by deliberately mitigating or eliminating the stressor, for example the individual could move to another country where employment prospects are better, study a new qualification or learn a new skill, actively search in newspapers or on the internet for job opportunities (Ermann, 2011). In emotion-focused coping, the individual minimises the problem, distances from the issues and avoids the problem, for example seeking financial assistance from friend or family or community-based programmes and seeking social support from close friends or family.…”

“…During the initial stages of unemployment, the individual maybe be angry or shocked and will utilise emotional-focused coping. After some time the individual may then start to search for jobs or learn a new skill, hence, the individual is displaying problem-focused coping (Ermann, 2011).…”