Citation

Weber A, Hörmann G, Heipertz W. Dtsch Arztebl Ausg A 2007; 104(43): A2957-A2962.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Deutscher Ärzte-Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Around 3.7 million people are currently unemployed in Germany. This article presents evidence on the health effects of unemployment, from a public health perspective.

METHODS: Selective review of articles from Pubfvled and Psyclnfo over the last 20 years, and discussion of key German language research articles addressing the health effects of unemployment.

RESULTS: Unemployment has adverse effects on psychosocial health. It can lead to resignation, withdrawal, decreased self-esteem, increased use of health services, conflict in families and partnerships, social isolation, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety disorder, drug abuse and suicide and parasuicide attempts. Whether unemployment also has adverse somatic consequences such as cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disturbances, or malignancy, is scientifically less evident. The health related effects of unemployment are modified by numerous variables such as age, sex, duration of unemployment, previous illnesses, socioeconomic status, qualification/education, biography/personality, social support, and individual coping resources.

DISCUSSION: Future research needs to focus on the stressors associated with contemporary working patterns, such as job insecurity, reduction in staff numbers, discontinuous occupational biographies, and precarious working conditions. The commitment to health promotion, particularly among the long term unemployed, should be strengthened.

Language: de

Keywords

human; age; suicide; MEDLINE; Mortality; family; depression; social support; public health; mortality; education; health; suicide attempt; personality; social isolation; drug abuse; Unemployment; unemployment; morbidity; review; sex; conflict; socioeconomics; cancer; social psychology; health service; anxiety disorder; sleep disorder; coping behavior; gastrointestinal symptom; self esteem; cardiovascular disease; Health behaviour; Social medicine; PsycINFO; Emotional pressure