Page 55 - Azerbaijan State University of Economics

Shaig E.Kazimov: More Than Just Unemployment: How the Fear Of Not Finding A Job Shapes Life
Satisfaction In Azerbaijan

conducted in this field, especially after 2014, shows that unemployment not only
results in loss of material income, but also causes serious consequences for an
individual's self-esteem, psychological well-being, and social integration (Blustein et
al., 2016). In contemporary literature, the relationship between unemployment and
depression, life satisfaction, and social participation is being explored more
comprehensively.
Carr and Chung (2014) emphasized that the feeling of worthlessness increases in
individuals experiencing unemployment, and this situation leads to disturbances in
psychological health. At the same time, differences in the impact strength between
short-term unemployment and long-term unemployment have been observed. The
psychological impact of long-term unemployment is deeper and more lasting (Milner
et al., 2021).
Unemployment also affects family relationships and the social roles of individuals.
The discrepancy between expectations and reality has been observed in individuals
with social isolation, intra-family conflicts, and a decrease in overall quality of life.
(Wanberg et al., 2020). Some studies have noted that these effects may vary by age,
gender, and education level. Unemployment among young people and those with low
levels of education results in deeper psychological trauma (Bertrand & Duflo, 2017).
Analyses show that combating unemployment can be achieved not only by addressing
structural problems of the labor market, but also by meeting the psychosocial needs
of individuals. Social support mechanisms, employment training, and psychological
intervention programs play an important role in the adaptation process of unemployed
individuals. (Lindström et al., 2022).
From a theoretical standpoint, Jahoda’s (1982) latent deprivation model provides a
foundational framework for understanding these empirical findings. Jahoda posits that
employment offers five essential psychological benefits—time structure, social
contact, collective purpose, status, and activity. When individuals lose access to these
“latent functions” through unemployment, they become vulnerable to psychological
distress. This model remains influential in interpreting why even financially secure
unemployed individuals may still experience poor mental health.
A broader public health perspective is offered by Dooley, Fielding, and Levi (1996),
who argue that unemployment functions as a social determinant of health. They
review epidemiological evidence indicating higher incidences of both physical and
psychological health problems among the unemployed. Importantly, the authors
highlight the bidirectional nature of the relationship—poor health can lead to job loss,
while job loss can worsen health—thus suggesting a complex feedback loop.
However, not all employment guarantees improved mental health. Butterworth et al.
(2011), using longitudinal national survey data from Australia, demonstrate that the

55