Depression in the young unemployed and those on Youth Opportunities Schemes

Using interviews and psychometric measures, this study compared the experiences and opinions of unemployment of four small groups of young people who were: unemployed, on a Youth Opportunities Placement Scheme, on a Youth Opportunities Project Scheme, or employed apprentices. It was found by means of the Beck Depression Inventory, that there were significant differences between the groups, with the employed being less depressed than the other three groups. The two groups on Youth Opportunities Schemes were intermediate but not significantly different from the unemployed. No significant differences were found using the Neuroticism scale of the EPI. This measure of depression, and the general attitudes expressed in discussion, support the conclusion that although the Youth Opportunities Scheme tends to reduce depression from being unemployed, it does not provide the psychological benefits of permanent employment, as suggested by previous research. This discrepancy in findings is discussed and the question raised as to whether the positive benefits of training programmes are sustained over time.