Age differences in coping with job loss

Using a national sample of unemployed workers from a range of ages, this study investigated the experience of coping with the stressor of involuntary job loss from an aging perspective. Based on previous research, it was expected that the process of coping with involuntary job loss would differ across the life-span as older workers face unique additional stressors. This study tested: (1) whether older unemployed workers cognitively appraised the loss of their jobs more negatively than younger unemployed workers, (2) whether the use of action-oriented problem-focused job loss coping strategies was stable across age, while the use of distress-reducing emotion-focused job loss coping strategies increased with age, and (3) whether the higher use of emotion-focused job loss coping strategies was positively related to subjective well-being and life satisfaction for older adults. Results indicated that cognitive appraisal of involuntary job loss was perceived as more intense and less reversible as age increased, but age was not related to use of coping strategies and the outcomes of well-being and life satisfaction. This study reviewed and integrated job loss and aging literature. Findings are pertinent for the policies of downsizing organizations, the counseling provided by mental health professions, and the coping of unemployed workers of all ages.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher

Colorado State University. Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Authors dc:creator

• Ermann, Erica, author
• Kraiger, Kurt, advisor
• Cleveland, Jeanette, committee member
• Rosecrance, John, committee member
• Vacha-Haase, Tammi, committee member

• job loss
• coping
• unemployment
• aging
• cognitive appraisal

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25675/3.018246

Identifier

ETDF2011400227PSYC

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mountainscholar.org:10217/70365