Predicting Job Seeking Frequency and Psychological Well-being in the Unemployed
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Author(s)
Wiener, KKK
Oei, TPS
Creed, PA
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
1999
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Comparisons were made between unemployed (n = 118) and employed (n = 120) groups on variables of psychological well-being, general self-efficacy, and employment commitment. Consistent with expectations, and earlier research, the unemployed reported poorer well-being, as measured by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg, 1972). The unemployed also reported lower scores on the General Self-efficacy Scale (Sherer et al., 1982). Both groups reported similar levels of employment commitment, indicating both believed having work was important. Using regression analyses, the unemployed sample was then examined to determine ...
View more >Comparisons were made between unemployed (n = 118) and employed (n = 120) groups on variables of psychological well-being, general self-efficacy, and employment commitment. Consistent with expectations, and earlier research, the unemployed reported poorer well-being, as measured by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg, 1972). The unemployed also reported lower scores on the General Self-efficacy Scale (Sherer et al., 1982). Both groups reported similar levels of employment commitment, indicating both believed having work was important. Using regression analyses, the unemployed sample was then examined to determine which variables predicted job search frequency. Variables examined in the equation were demographic variables, well-being, self-efficacy, employment commitment, intentions to seek work, confidence about obtaining work, and need for work. Predictors of well-being were also examined using the same variables. Only intention to seek work was predictive of job seeking frequency. Self-efficacy, employment commitment, and intentions to seek work predicted well-being. The results are discussed in light of current theories examining job search behaviour, and recommendations are made for practice.
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View more >Comparisons were made between unemployed (n = 118) and employed (n = 120) groups on variables of psychological well-being, general self-efficacy, and employment commitment. Consistent with expectations, and earlier research, the unemployed reported poorer well-being, as measured by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg, 1972). The unemployed also reported lower scores on the General Self-efficacy Scale (Sherer et al., 1982). Both groups reported similar levels of employment commitment, indicating both believed having work was important. Using regression analyses, the unemployed sample was then examined to determine which variables predicted job search frequency. Variables examined in the equation were demographic variables, well-being, self-efficacy, employment commitment, intentions to seek work, confidence about obtaining work, and need for work. Predictors of well-being were also examined using the same variables. Only intention to seek work was predictive of job seeking frequency. Self-efficacy, employment commitment, and intentions to seek work predicted well-being. The results are discussed in light of current theories examining job search behaviour, and recommendations are made for practice.
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Journal Title
Journal of Employment Counseling
Volume
36(2)
Publisher URI
Copyright Statement
© 1999 American Counseling Association, All Rights Reserved. First published in Journal of Employment Counseling 36 (2) pp. 67-81.
Subject
Specialist studies in education