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

Summary & key facts

Researchers studied 525 Dutch people who lost their jobs (59.8% women; average age 50.6). Using a statistical method called latent class analysis, they found four distinct groups of emotional reactions: mixed, grieving, depressed, and resilient. Which group people fell into was linked to the circumstances of the job loss and how they coped, but not to their age, gender, or job history. The authors say these different patterns could help shape targeted clinical approaches for people who struggle after losing work.

Key facts:

• The study included 525 Dutch workers who had lost their job.
• Participants were 59.8% women and had a mean (average) age of 50.6 years.
• Researchers used latent class analysis and identified four classes of reactions: 'mixed', 'grieving', 'depressed', and 'resilient'.
• Whether someone belonged to a given class was associated with job loss circumstances and coping strategies, but not with socio-demographic or work characteristics.
• The authors conclude these distinct patterns of grief, depression, and anxiety may point to unique characteristics that could be addressed with specific clinical methods (as a possible implication, not a proven treatment).

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.

Topics

Employment and Welfare Studies Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health Health disparities and outcomes

Categories

General Health Professions Health Professions Health Sciences

Tags

Anxiety Clinical psychology Depression (economics) Economic growth Economics Grief Job loss Macroeconomics Psychiatry Psychology Unemployment

Conditions & symptoms

Anxiety Anxiety or worry Lack of energy or motivation Sadness or low mood