Chapter 16: Problem 9

Describe the effect losing one's job has on a person in middle adulthood.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Job loss in middle adulthood can lead to immediate financial insecurity, can disrupt long-term retirement plans, increase family stresses, negatively affect self-identity and self-esteem, and potentially lead to social isolation. Psychological effects could range from mild anxiety to severe depression.

Step by step solution

Recognizing the Life Stage

Recognize first that middle adulthood spans from ages approximately 40 to 65. During this stage, many people have established careers and families. Losing a job in this phase of life can lead to various psychological and societal impacts.

Effect on Financial Stability

Discuss the impact on financial stability. Middle adulthood is the phase when most people are financially planning for their future, such as retirement. Thus, job loss can severely disrupt such plans and have immediate effects on financial stability and security.

Effect on Self-Identity and Self-Esteem

Elaborate on the impact on self-identity and self-esteem. Many people often associate their job with their identity and self-worth, losing a job can thereby lead to issues with self-esteem.

Effect on Family Dynamics

Discuss the effects on family dynamics. Losing employment, and the income that accompanies it, can increase stresses within a family.

Psychological Effects

Detail the psychological effects. This could range from mild anxiety to severe depression, determined partly by the individual's resilience and coping mechanisms.

Social Effects

Consider the social effects of job loss, including potential effects on one's social status and changes to social relationships.

Long-term impact

Middle-aged adults often face serious challenges in re-securing employment, especially at a similar level, which could have potential long-term impact on their career progression and retirement.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Describe the effect losing one's job has on a person in middle adulthood.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Recognizing the Life Stage

Effect on Financial Stability

Effect on Self-Identity and Self-Esteem

Effect on Family Dynamics

Psychological Effects

Social Effects

Long-term impact

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

Issues and Debates in Psychology

Famous Psychologists

Social Psychology

Health Psychology

Cognition and Development

Individual Differences Psychology

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.