How does a targeted active labour market program impact on the well-being of the unemployed? A concept mapping study on Barcelona “Employment in the Neighbourhoods”

Abstract

Background: The "Employment in the neighbourhoods" program is an innovative, tailor-made Active Labour Market Program that has been implemented in 12 neighbourhoods in Barcelona (Spain). Its goal is to get people from deprived, high-unemployment neighbourhoods back to work. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of the program on participants' quality of life, and identify the mechanisms underlying these effects, according to their own perception and the perception of technical staff who assisted them. Methods: We used Concept Mapping, a mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis, to develop a conceptual map of the participants' and technical staffs' perceptions about changes in the participants' quality of life. Data collection occurred within the generation and structuring steps where participants brainstormed answers to a focus question, and then rated and sorted the responses. To create maps, we used Concept Systems Incorporated software, which conducted two main forms of analysis, a multidimensional scaling analysis, and a hierarchical cluster analysis. Results: Study participants reported several positive effects on mental health and emotional wellbeing, including self-esteem and empowerment, and considered that this was achieved through strengthened social networks, skills acquisition, emotional coaching, and personalized technical assistance. They also described some negative impacts, mainly related to the labour market situation. We observed marked gender differences in the discourses of program participants. Conclusions: The results obtained have allowed us to identify different perceived effects and mechanisms by which the "Employment in the Neighbourhoods" Active Labour Market Programme can influence quality of life of participants from the most deprived areas of Barcelona.

Effectiveness of Active Labour Market Policies in the EU Countries for the Young Unemployed People and Implications for the Post-pandemic Period

“…In terms of health and well-being, researchers argue that ALMPs should mitigate the negative effects of unemployment through various psychosocial mechanisms and thus improve health and quality of life (e.g. Puig-Barrachina et al, 2020). One of the most influential theories is Jahoda's latent deprivation theory, according to which employment fulfils various psychological needs (Jahoda, 1982).…”

“…Not only do such contractual arrangements play a noticeable role in defining the employment status of a worker, but also in many cases their active labour market policy eligibility (Romero & Kuddo, 2019). There are not only economic barriers young unemployed people face in the labour market, but also social barriers such as social exclusion, poverty, discrimination, and poor mental health (Puig-Barrachina et al, 2020).…”

Variation in perceived health across gender, working status, educational level, and regional health care expenditure in Spain (2014–2017)

“…By instituting active labor market programs (ALMPs), the negative health outcomes associated with unemployment may be effectively addressed, alleviating the adverse health effects brought about by economic recessions [11,71]. To give an example, Reeves et al (2015) found that increasing ALMP expenditure reduce suicide risks [72], and Mattei et al 2019 concluded that ALMPs are effective in softening the association between unemployment and suicide among men, in particular between the ages of 45 to 54 [73].…”