Experiences of Unemployment and Well-Being after Job Loss during Economic Recession: Results of a Qualitative Study in East Central Sweden

Abstract

Introduction: Several studies have revealed an association between unemployment and ill health, and shown that unemployment can affect people differently. This study aimed to provide an understanding of the experiences of unemployment and perceptions of wellbeing among persons who involuntary lost their work during the recent economic recession in Gävle Municipality.Methods: Sixteen unemployed men and women aged 28-62 were interviewed face-to-face. A purposeful sampling strategy was used in order to suit the research question and to increase the variation among informants. The interview texts were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Six different themes emerged from the accounts: The respondents perceived work as the basis for belonging, and loss of work affected their social life and consumption patterns due to changes in their financial situation. They also expressed feelings of isolation, loss of self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness, which affected their physical well-being. Longer duration of unemployment increased the respondents’ negative emotions. The respondents reported activities, structure, and affiliation in other contexts as part of their coping strategy against poor mental health.Conclusions: After job loss, the respondents experienced feelings of loss of dignity and belonging as a human being. They also felt worry, insecurity, and stress due to their changed financial situation, which in turn led to isolation and loss of self-esteem. Social support and having other activities gave the respondents structure and meaning.Significance for public healthThe most recent economic recession, which started in 2008, raised major concerns that it would negatively affect population health. This article describes and discuss the experiences of unemployment and well-being among individuals who lost their job due to the economic recession in Gävle Municipality. The significance of the article is that it shows how central it is to get a better understanding of the experiences of hardship and perceptions of health and overall well-being among people who lost their work involuntarily. Findings of this study can be used to inform policy makers as well as provide guidance for health promotion activities among groups who are prone to unemployment. Furthermore results of the study can be of interest to similar geographic contexts.

Single transitions and persistence of unemployment are associated with poor health outcomes

“…On the one hand, involuntary job loss during an economic recession may be less detrimental to health, because unemployment is less rare and the stigma of unemployment that could potentially harm (mental) health decreases [31]. On the other hand, the impact of unemployment on health may be increased during an economic recession as it may lead to increased insecurities about the chances for reemployment and therefore to increased psychological distress [32]. Previous studies have suggested that the post-2008 economic recession intensified the negative impact of unemployment on general and mental health [31, 33, 34] and that differences with respect to unhealthy behaviour, such as smoking and drinking, increased between the employed and unemployed [34].…”

Living in the shadow of unemployment -an unhealthy life situation: a qualitative study of young people from leaving school until early adult life

“…A qualitative study among participants over age 18 from the time of economic recession in Sweden illustrates the importance of gaining better understanding of the experiences of hardship and perceptions of health among those who lose their jobs [9]. Another qualitative study of unemployed persons, aged 18 and above with mental health problems, was performed in Germany [10].…”

The Similarity of European Union Countries in Terms of the Structure of the Unemployed

“…It affects many millions of people around the world, threatens various states and ages, especially women and young people. The results of many studies presented so far have confirmed, among others the relationship between unemployment and poor health, especially mental health, as well as relationships with harmful health behaviors such as smoking and drinking problems (Nordenmark and Strandh, 1999;Winkelmann, 2009;Hammarström et al, 2011;Virtanen et al, 2013;Hiswåls et al, 2017;Dmytrów and Bieszk-Stolorz, 2019).…”