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Psychological effects of colliery closures
1Eastgate Unit, Middlewood Hospital, Sheffield, England.
The International Journal of Social Psychiatry
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Job loss significantly impacts miners' mental health and well-being. Threat of unemployment and actual job loss correlate with increased psychological distress, alcohol use, and doctor visits.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychological Medicine
- Sociology
Background:
- Colliery closures represent a significant socio-economic event.
- Understanding the health impacts of unemployment is crucial for public health.
- Previous research indicates a link between job loss and adverse health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the psychological and behavioral impacts of colliery closures on miners.
- To compare health outcomes between miners at threatened and unthreatened collieries.
Main Methods:
- A postal survey was conducted among miners at two collieries (one 'threatened', one 'unthreatened').
- Data collected included General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) scores, alcohol consumption, and general practitioner (GP) contact.
- Response rate was 30% of potential subjects.
Main Results:
- Miners at the 'threatened' colliery exhibited higher mean GHQ scores, indicating greater psychological morbidity.
- Increased alcohol consumption was reported by miners at the threatened colliery.
- Miners facing closure reported more frequent recent contact with their general practitioners.
Conclusions:
- The threat and reality of unemployment significantly affect psychological well-being.
- Unemployment is associated with increased potentially harmful behaviors, such as higher alcohol consumption.
- Job insecurity and loss lead to increased utilization of primary healthcare services.