Grief reactions, depression, and anxiety following job loss : patterns and correlates

Background: Research on grief, depression, and anxiety reactions following job loss is sparse. More insight in this matter could be important for the development of preventive and curative interventions targeting different manifestations of emotional distress following job loss, including grief reactions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine job loss-related grief reactions in relation to depression and anxiety symptoms.

Method: A sample of 525 Dutch workers (59.8% women, mean age of 50.6 years) who had lost their job was recruited. Latent class analysis was used to examine whether separate classes could be distinguished based on the endorsement of grief reactions and symptoms of depression of anxiety. We also examined factors associated with class membership.

Results: Four classes were identified, including a so-called ‘mixed’, a ‘grieving’, a ‘depressed’, and a ‘resilient’ class. Job loss circumstances and coping strategies (but not socio-demographic and work characteristics) were associated with class membership.

Conclusion: These results shed light on unique characteristics that might be targeted with specific clinical methods to increase mental health of different subgroups of individuals confronted with job loss.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Research on grief, depression, and anxiety reactions following job loss is sparse.
• Latent class analysis revealed four distinct classes.
• Job loss circumstances and coping strategies (but not socio-demographic and work variables) were associated with class membership.