The Experience of Unemployment in Ireland: A Thematic Analysis

Liam Delaney, Michael Egan and Nicola O'Connell
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Michael Egan: UCD Geary Institute
Nicola O'Connell: UCD Geary Institute

No 201116, Working Papers from Geary Institute, University College Dublin

Abstract: This paper reports on the results of 13 semi-structured focus groups carried out with unemployed respondents across Ireland in 2010. The purpose of the research is to examine the subjective experience of unemployment across a wide range of dimensions. 15 overarching themes emerged from a detailed thematic analysis of the texts of the interviews. The themes highlight a wide range of aversive psychological states associated with unemployment. The themes examine: perceptions of the economic boom; reactions to the recession; attitudes toward media coverage; gender differences in experiences of unemployment; financial worries relating to unemployment; perceptions of the position of young people; uncertainty about the future; lack of structure and routine associated with unemployment; health issues associated with unemployment; identity challenges; the social context of unemployment; issues surrounding reentering employment; attitudes toward social protection payments; social comparison effect and perceptions of training services. This paper concludes with a brief discussion of the psychological impact of unemployment.

Pages: 52 pages
Date: 2011-08-18
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-hme and nep-lab
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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