Unemployment as a source of mental distress to individuals and their family: Unemployed parents perceptions during the economic recession

Frasquilho, Diana; Matos, Margarida Gaspar de; Santos, Teresa Cristina; Gaspar, Tania; Almeida, José Miguel Caldas de

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.12/4703

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Authors

Frasquilho, Diana

Matos, Margarida Gaspar de

Santos, Teresa Cristina

Gaspar, Tania

Almeida, José Miguel Caldas de

Abstract(s)

Background: Due to the economic recession, several people in Europe became unemployed. This situation may risk their mental health. Aim: This study explored parents’ perceptions about their unemployment’s effects in daily life during the recession. Methods: A total of 59 unemployed parents (40.7% fathers and 59.3% mothers), ageing 44.4 years (±6.2), answer a question on how the unemployment affected their family lives. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Results: The findings suggest that unemployment is a source of adult and youth mental distress and of economic hardship and changes in family relations. Conclusion: Support to unemployed individuals and their families could benefit from these insights when granting the needed financial and socioemotional assistance.