COPING WITH LONG-TERM UNEMPLOYMENT

As very little research has focused on the experiences of long-term un employed people, 38 females and males attending a Skillshare were invi ted to complete a short survey and participate in an ill-depth intervi ew. Both of these research methods were designed to provide informatio n on the experience of this group with respect to how people who have been experiencing unemployment for over one year cope. GHQ cut-off sco res and qualitative responses converged on the notion that this sample should be considered as two discrete groups: those who were coping re latively effectively with unemployment and those who were not. Coping themes identified in the group associated with negative well-being inc luded keeping busy emotional release, and withdrawal. These coping: pr ocesses were generally viewed as transient and ineffectual. Conversely , coping strategies of those associated with positive well-bring could be grouped into four themes, including keeping busy, having a positiv e outlook, religious faith, and re-evaluating expectations. Research a nd practice implications are considered. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, L td.