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Gender differences in the effect of unemployment on psychological distress

Author

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  • Ensminger, Margaret E.
  • Celentano, David D.

Abstract

In this paper we examine whether unemployment has a differential impact on the expression of psychological distress among men and women. Based on the traditional centrality of the work role to men and the family role to women, we defined several key domains that might affect unemployed men and women differentially: family circumstances, concerns and worries about children and family; coping responses; social support and social integration; and the centrality of the work role. While the study population either were or hoped to be in the labor force and had dependent children, they varied in their marital status and whether they were the custodial parent. Using data collected in Baltimore from those who had been unemployed but had returned to work, those who had remained continuosly unemployed for a year, and those who had been continuously employed, we compared the patterns of men's and women's reactions to unemployment. The important differences in psychological symptoms in this population were related to employment status, problems with parenting, financial difficulties, perceived lack of social support, hostility, and feelings about unemployment. By and large, the patterns of these relationships were similar for men and women. These findings suggest that when gender in ferences in psychological distress are found they may be due to differences in role configurations of men and women rather than intrinsic gender differences.

Suggested Citation

  • Ensminger, Margaret E. & Celentano, David D., 1990. "Gender differences in the effect of unemployment on psychological distress," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 30(4), pages 469-477, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:30:y:1990:i:4:p:469-477
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    Cited by:

    1. Derick A. Akompab & Peng Bi & Susan Williams & Janet Grant & Iain A. Walker & Martha Augoustinos, 2012. "Awareness of and Attitudes towards Heat Waves within the Context of Climate Change among a Cohort of Residents in Adelaide, Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Weden, Margaret M & Astone, Nan M & Bishai, David, 2006. "Racial, ethnic, and gender differences in smoking cessation associated with employment and joblessness through young adulthood in the US," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(2), pages 303-316, January.
    3. Sergi Trias-Llimós & Magdalena M. Muszyńska & Antonio D. Cámara & Fanny Janssen, 2017. "Smoking cessation among European older adults: the contributions of marital and employment transitions by gender," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 14(2), pages 189-198, June.
    4. Bijlsma, Maarten J. & Tarkiainen, Lasse & Myrskylä, Mikko & Martikainen, Pekka, 2017. "Unemployment and subsequent depression: A mediation analysis using the parametric G-formula," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 142-150.
    5. Venetoklis, Takis & Ervasti, Heikki, 2006. "Unemployment and Subjective Well-being: Does Money Make a Difference," Discussion Papers 391, VATT Institute for Economic Research.

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