PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF UNEMPLOYMENT - INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF VULNERABILITY AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS ON DEPRESSION

This study tested the prediction that relations between negative life events and depression are mediated by interactions between vulnerability and protective factors. Fifty unemployed men completed measures of depressive symptoms, sociotropic or autonomous motivation, social support, and activity. The specific interactional model was partially supported; there were significant interactions between autonomy and activity but not between sociotropy and social support. Further analysis indicated that interactions between nonmatching vulnerability and protective factors were highly significant and suggests that the psychological impact of unemployment is moderated by complex interactions between vulnerability and protective factors. These results may have theoretical implications for appraisal and coping research and practical implications for counseling.