This article reports the results of a longitudinal study of layoff vic
tims and how they cops with job loss. We examine whether the perceived
fairness of layoff procedures, corporate and government assistance pr
ograms, and individual differences influence the choice of problem-foc
used and/or symptom-focused coping strategies. Our findings challenge
traditionally held assumptions about factors that may be associated wi
th successful coping. Specifically, perceptions of the fairness of lay
off procedures and adequacy of government assistance programs were neg
atively related with problem-focused strategies used by layoff victims
, and there was no relationship with corporate assistance programs and
the choice of coping strategy. In addition, self-blame for the job lo
ss was positively related to a symptom-focused strategy. Suggestions f
or future research on victims of layoffs are discussed.