Unemployed (n = 118) and employed (n = 120) people were contrasted on varia
bles of well-being, confidence, and employment commitment. The unemployed s
cored lower on the General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg, 1972) and the Ge
neral Self-Efficacy Scale (Sherer et al,, 1982). No differences were identi
fied on levels of employment commitment. For the unemployed sample, predict
ors of job-seeking behavior and well-being were then examined. Intention to
seek work predicted job-seeking behavior, while self-efficacy, employment
commitment, and intentions to seek work predicted well-being. Results are d
iscussed in light of current theories of job seeking behavior, and recommen
dations are made for practice.