“Maybe If I Was 25, But I'm 40”: Age Identities, Work-Related Problems, and Distress Management

Abstract

Previous research shows that social statuses strongly influence negative life events’ effects on mental health. Studies also show that identities are linked to mental health and can be partially based on age. However, there are few studies on age identities as they relate to the stress process. Using data from 48 in-depth interviews with 25 unemployed/underemployed people, I identify two work-related problems (constrained employment options and poor self-evaluations) and three coping strategies (social comparisons, alternate identities, and expanded employment options) related to age identities. Results illustrate the links between subjective aspects of age, age-based norms, distress, and coping strategies, and highlight the utility of integrating symbolic interactionist and structural approaches.