Prospective Longitudinal Links between Unemployment and Depressive Symptoms in Young Adults

Abstract

Since 2006, the national unemployment rate has steadily increased, from 4% to nearly 10% in 2009. Meta-analytic data suggest there is inverse correlation between unemployment and concurrent depression symptoms. However, only a few studies have examined the longitudinal links between employment status and depression. Presence of a romantic partner has been shown to buffer the negative consequences of unemployment. Research questions: Does earlier employment status predict changes in depressive symptoms controlling for concurrent employment status? Do changes in employment status relate to changes in depressive symptoms? Does involvement in a romantic relationship at age 26 moderate the relation between changes in employment status and depressive symptoms?