Grief reactions, depression, and anxiety following job loss: patterns and correlates

Abstract

Background: Research on grief, depression, and anxiety reactions following job loss is sparse. More insight in this matter could be important for the development of preventive and curative interventions targeting different manifestations of emotional distress following job loss, including grief reactions. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine job loss-related grief reactions in relation to depression and anxiety symptoms. Method: A sample of 525 Dutch workers (59.8% women, mean age of 50.6 years) who had lost their job was recruited. Latent class analysis was used to examine whether separate classes could be distinguished based on the endorsement of grief reactions and symptoms of depression of anxiety. We also examined factors associated with class membership. Results: Four classes were identified, including a so-called 'mixed', a 'grieving', a 'depressed', and a 'resilient' class. Job loss circumstances and coping strategies (but not socio-demographic and work characteristics) were associated with class membership. Conclusion:These results shed light on unique characteristics that might be targeted with specific clinical methods to increase mental health of different subgroups of individuals confronted with job loss. Reacciones de duelo, depresión y ansiedad luego de la pérdida del empleo: patrones y correlatosAntecedentes: La investigación acerca de las reacciones de duelo, depresión y ansiedad luego de la pérdida del empleo es escasa. Una mayor profundización en esta área podría ser importante para el desarrollo de intervenciones preventivas y curativas dirigidas a las diferentes manifestaciones del sufrimiento emocional que ocurre luego de la pérdida del empleo, incluyendo las reacciones de duelo. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar las reacciones de duelo asociadas a la pérdida del empleo en relación a síntomas de depresión y ansiedad. Método: Se reclutó una muestra de 525 trabajadores holandeses (59,8% mujeres, edad promedio de 50.6 años) que perdieron su empleo. Se utilizó análisis de clases latentes para examinar si se podían distinguir clases separadas basándose en la confirmación de reacciones de duelo y síntomas de depresión y ansiedad. También examinamos factores asociados con la pertenencia a las clases. Resultados: Se identificaron cuatro clases, que incluyeron una clase llamada 'mixta', una 'en duelo', una 'deprimida' y una 'resiliente'. Las circunstancias de la pérdida del empleo y las estrategias de afrontamiento (pero no las características del empleo ni las sociodemográficas) se asociaron con la pertenencia a las clases. Conclusión: Estos resultados revelaron las características únicas que podrían ser blanco de métodos clínicos específicos para mejorar la salud mental de los diferentes subgrupos de personas que enfrentan la pérdida del empleo.

Negative Cognitions and Emotional Distress Following Job Loss: Development and Validation of the Beliefs About Loss of Work (BLOW) Scale

“…There is some evidence that, following involuntary job loss, low self-esteem, global belief in an unjust world, and maladaptive coping styles are associated with JLCG symptoms (Papa & Maitoza, 2013;Van Eersel et al, 2021). The basic assumption that the world is unfair enhances the tendency to act disrespectful to other people and increases cynicism (Dalbert, 2002).…”

Job loss-related complicated grief symptoms: A cognitive-behavioral framework

“…Prior research showed that negative cognitions concerning one self, life, and future (e.g., "My life is meaningless since I lost my job") were associated with a diminished sense of self and identity confusion (3). Further, researchers have found a negative association between lowered self-esteem and levels of JLCG symptoms (8,10). A strong global belief in an unjust world was also found to be associated with high levels of JLCG symptoms (10), even when controlling the time elapsed since the job loss (8).…”

“…Consequently, the impact of involuntary job loss on one's identity and wellbeing can vary across countries, depending on one's perception of work and job loss. In general, the most common outcome following involuntary job loss is a stable trajectory of healthy mental functioning (7,8). Only a significant minority develops symptoms of depression, anxiety, and job loss-related complicated grief [JLCG; (3,9)].…”

“…During the last few years research on JLCG symptoms has increased. Factor and latent class analyses have shown that symptoms of JLCG, depression, and anxiety following involuntary job loss represent distinguishable constructs (8,10,11). Research has also indicated that JLCG symptoms are associated with low self-esteem, maladaptive coping strategies, and a belief in an unjust world (8,10,11).…”

“…Factor and latent class analyses have shown that symptoms of JLCG, depression, and anxiety following involuntary job loss represent distinguishable constructs (8,10,11). Research has also indicated that JLCG symptoms are associated with low self-esteem, maladaptive coping strategies, and a belief in an unjust world (8,10,11). Moreover, scholars have found a relation between JLCG symptoms and identity disruption (3).…”