NERVOUS AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN A LONGITUDINAL-STUDY OF YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT - SELECTION OR EXPOSURE

One thousand and sixty young people were followed for 5 years from the last term of compulsory school. Unemployment correlated positively wi th changes in nervous complaints and depressive symptoms, even after c ontrolling for initial psychological health and background factors. Th ere were no pronounced gender differences. Qualitative methods were us ed to study mediating factors between unemployment and mental health, including lack of self-confidence, self-blame, stress, isolation, lack of control and resignation. (C) 1997 The Association for Professional s in Services for Adolescents.