The interplay between structure and agency in shaping the mental health consequences of job loss

Anaf, Julia Margaret; Baum, Fran; Newman, Lareen Ann; Ziersch, Anna Marie; Jolley, Gwyneth Margaret

The interplay between structure and agency in shaping the mental health consequences of job loss

Date

2013-02-06, 2013-02-06

Authors

Anaf, Julia Margaret

Baum, Fran

Newman, Lareen Ann

Ziersch, Anna Marie

Jolley, Gwyneth Margaret

Publisher

BioMed Central Ltd.

Abstract

Main themes that emerged from the qualitative exploration of the psychological distress of job loss included stress, changes to perceived control, loss of self-esteem, shame and loss of status, experiencing a grieving process, and financial strain. Drawing on two models of agency we identified the different ways workers employed their agency, and how their agency was enabled, but mainly constrained, when dealing with job loss consequences. Respondents’ accounts support the literature on the moderating effects of economic resources such as redundancy packages. The results suggest the need for policies to put more focus on social, emotional and financial investment to mediate the structural constraints of job loss. Our study also suggests that human agency must be understood within an individual’s whole of life circumstances, including structural and material constraints, and the personal or interior factors that shape these circumstances.

Keywords

Public health, Mental health, Employment

Citation

Anaf, J., Baum, F., Newman, L., Ziersch, A. and Jolley, G., 2013. The interplay between structure and agency in shaping the mental health consequences of job loss. BMC Public Health, 13:110.