The factors which predict a person's long-term unemployment were studied wi
thin the framework of an emotional and behavioural regulation model consist
ing of two orthogonal dimensions: behavioural inhibition versus expression,
and low versus high self-control of emotions (Pulkkinen, 1995, 1996). The
participants were drawn from the ongoing Jyyaskyla Longitudinal Study of Pe
rsonality and Social Development, in which the same individuals have been f
ollowed up from age 8 (n = 369) to 36 (n = 311). In the present study, data
collected at ages 8, 14, 27, and 36 were used. The findings showed that lo
w self-control of emotions, especially aggression, at age 8 directly predic
ted long-term unemployment in adulthood, whereas behavioural inhibition (pa
ssive and anxious behaviour) predicted long-term unemployment indirectly (v
ia poor educational attainment). Long-term unemployment in adulthood was re
lated to an increased level of current psychological distress as measured b
y the presence of depressive symptoms and anxiety. Thus, the present study
confirmed both the hypothesis concerning selection into unemployment, and t
he hypothesis concerning the psychological consequences of unemployment.