What is the psychosocial impact of unemployment? A meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: To understand what happens to people when they are employed or unemployed a meta-analysis of studies was done focusing on the concept of psychosocial impact of unemployment. Methods: ISI Web of Science search for articles containing in its title and theme words such as "psychosocial impact" was performed. Studies (k=13) measuring variables related to the psychosocial impact and comparing at least two groups of people protected or exposed to the unemployment condition were included. Results: There were no significant differences between employed and unemployed in their healthy responses (e.g. physical activity, structuring of time). However, those exposed to unemployment responded in a more disruptive way (MES=1.159; p<.05); specifically, those unemployed would present lower self-esteem (MES=2.601; p<.01) and higher levels of general psychopathology (MES=1.218; disruptive responses among the unemployed; in contrast, a significant effect of economic growth on healthy responses to unemployment was found (Z=7.236; p<.01). Specifically, the unemployed from countries with higher economic growth would present greater physical activity (Z=2.375; p<.05). Conclusions: The importance of protecting unemployed people to mitigate psychological distress and the effects of this condition on their general mental health and self-esteem are explained from theoretical models such as the conservation of resources.