Occupational prestige and basic need satisfaction at work as predictors of the pre-retirement anxiety among Nigerian university lecturers

Abstract

o build a solid knowledge base for ideas that would improve the well-being of retiring lecturers in Nigerian universities, we investigated the predictive roles of occupational prestige and basic need satisfaction at work in pre-retirement anxiety among Nigerian university lecturers. Using a purposive sampling technique, we selected 210 (males=53%; females=47%) prospective retirees to participate in the study. Their ages ranged between 60 and 70 years (M= 65; SD=4.83). Hierarchical Multiple Regression results showed that occupational prestige significantly and negatively predicted pre-retirement anxiety; basic need satisfaction at work significantly and negatively predicted pre-retirement anxiety, both of which confirm the two hypotheses of the study. The result indicated that the deteriorating occupational prestige of university lecturers, orchestrated by a lack of positive attention from the Nigerian government, triggers pre-retirement anxiety. Thus the study recommended that government should improve the satisfaction of the basic needs at work and the occupational prestige of Nigerian university lecturers, as doing so will provide clear retirement goals for Nigerian university lecturers.

Paradox of life after work: A systematic review and meta-analysis on retirement anxiety and life satisfaction

“…The analysis also uncovered studies, such as those by Ugwu et al [ 32 ] and Bozoglan [ 33 ], indicating a negative relationship between retirement and life satisfaction. This could be attributed to retirement-related anxieties stemming from financial insecurity, loss of identity, and social isolation, as discussed in Froidevaux et al [ 9 ] and Ujoatuonu et al [ 10 ]. Such factors can profoundly impact retirees’ emotional and psychological well-being, highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems.…”

“…As individuals approach this new phase, many experience “retirement anxiety,” a prevalent concern stemming from uncertainties about post-retirement life [ 7 , 8 ]. This retirement anxiety often arises from a multitude of factors, including concerns over financial stability, loss of professional identity, social isolation, and health-related issues [ 9 , 10 ]. Such apprehensions can profoundly impact the retirees’ psychological and emotional well-being.…”