The Role of Locus of Control and Perceived Stress in Dealing with Unemployment during Economic Crisis

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the psychological profile of unemployed people during economic crisis. Specifically, we studied the relationships between locus of control (LOC), perceived stress, maintenance of health behaviors such as smoking, drinking and exercising and the optimism about finding a new job. Participants were 201 Greek unemployed, ranging from 20 to 64 years old. Measures included, among others, a short form of LOC Scale, the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale, as well as health behavior and perceived optimism indicators. Results indicated that the discharged felt unable, even powerless to efficiently cope with the unemployment status. Unemployed with an external LOC orientation tend to experience more stress. Among all of the examined health behaviors, only physical activity seems to be related to LOC orientation as well as perceived stress. Finally, the external LOC orientation of the unemployed as well as their higher levels of perceived stress were related to a tendency to feel less optimistic about finding a new job. Future interventions, either aiming to control stress and promote physical activity or aiming to eliminate external LOC orientation should be applied as soon as possible after job loss.

Keywords: Locus of Control, Perceived Stress, Unemployment