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Depression among men made involuntarily redundant
Psychological Medicine
|November 1, 1985
Summary
Unemployed men experiencing job loss show higher rates of depression. This study found significantly elevated scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30) among redundant men compared to their employed peers.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Occupational Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Involuntary unemployment due to redundancy can significantly impact mental health.
- Previous research suggests a link between job loss and psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in men who have recently become unemployed.
- To compare mental health scores of unemployed men with a matched group of employed men.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 98 unemployed men (aged 25-50, out of work 2-18 months) completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30).
- Scores were compared against a control group of employed men matched for age and social class.
Main Results:
- Redundant men reported significantly higher mean scores on both the GHQ-30 (13.0 vs. 4.0) and BDI (11.1 vs. 5.6) compared to employed men.
- 18% of redundant men scored 18 or higher on the BDI, indicative of depressive illness, versus 6% in the employed group.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest an increased prevalence of depressive illness among men experiencing involuntary unemployment.
- Job loss is a significant risk factor for developing depression and other psychological distress.