GENDER DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSES TO UNEMPLOYMENT

This study examined differences between 94 men and 63 women in how they perceived, coped with, and reacted to job loss. Contrary to gender stereotypes that portray women as less traumatized by job loss than men, the results showed no significant differences between men and women in psychological and behavioral distress symptoms. There were differences, however, in how each group coped with the job loss. Men relied more on problem-focused activities such as job search, while women relied more on symptom-focused activities such as seeking social support. Marital status had a significant effect on several types of coping behaviors and reactions, but it did not significantly interact with gender. The implications of the findings for research on women and job loss are discussed. © 1991.