Abstract
Two waves of questionnaire data obtained from displaced workers are used to test whether continuous unemployment (vs. reemployment) and increased economic stress influence displaced workers' perceptions of social support for a period of one to nine months following job loss from a plant closing. Two kinds of effects, stability and change, in these variables are examined. The results demonstrate change in social support after job loss, which indicates that unemployment and social support are mutually related and that life events (continuous unemployment) have an impact on social support through economic distress. Findings point to the need for further research on the issue of stress-buffering mechanisms.
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Fanying Kong was born in Beijing, China, where she lived until 1985. She completed a B.A. degree in philosophy and a M.A. in ethics from Peking University. In 1988 she received a M.S. degree in sociology from Purdue University, and recently completed her doctoral dissertation on Japanese auto transplants.
Robert Perrucci is professor of sociology at Purdue University. He has written extensively on the topics of work, technology, inequality, and organizations. His most recent publications have focused on the changing global economy and its impact on workers and communities.
Carolyn C. Perrucci is professor of sociology and Associate Dean of the Graduate School at Purdue University. Her current research focuses on race and gender differences in retirement well-being, and factors in retention of U.S. minorities in doctoral degree programs.
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Kong, F., Perrucci, C.C. & Perrucci, R. The impact of unemployment and economic stress on social support. Community Ment Health J 29, 205–221 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00778807
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00778807