Moving Towards Positive Well-Being in the Face of Adversity: What Explains Individual Variations in Well-Being Following Job Loss?

Abstract

Job loss has been associated with pervasive, and often negative, impacts on well-being. Conversely, the potentially positive aspects of job loss have received considerably less attention in the literature. Further, the relationship between well-being and job loss needs to be better nuanced. Using a case study design, this study drew from a positive psychology perspective to inductively identify both positive and negative qualitative factors that explain the relationship between well-being and job loss. We investigated the lived experience of well-being for 20 technology sector workers in the Ottawa, Canada area who had experienced involuntary job loss, and explored the following research question: What do individuals describe as being the key factors, conditions, and critical events (i.e., potential process factors) that have impacted their self-perceived well-being following job loss? Two major themes were identified: (a) coping responses and processes, and (b) protective and sensitizing processes. Coping responses and processes consisted of problem-focused coping, meaning-making, attitudes and expectancies, behavioural processes, and emotional processes. Protective and sensitizing processes included identity and self-esteem, impact of past adversity, and, personal resources and characteristics. Implications for research and practice are discussed.