Unemployment and general cognitive ability: A review and meta-analysis

Abstract

• This is the first review and meta-analysis studying unemployment and general cognitive ability. • The review showed an association between unemployment and lower general cognitive ability. • The meta-analysis supported the association between unemployment and cognition. • Age moderated the association and increased the average effect size. • A series of suggestions are made to improve future studies in this topic. Evidence suggests an association between unemployment and general cognitive ability. Factors such as changes in environmental stimulation and the effects of stress may act as mediators in this relationship. We conduct a qualitative review and meta-analysis to determine whether an association between unemployment and general cognitive ability exists. Eighteen studies were included in the qualitative review, and six in the meta-analysis. Results of the review indicated a significant association between unemployment and lower cognitive ability. The meta–analysis supports this association, displaying a medium effect size which increased when age was included as a covariate. Both analyses point towards the existence of a relationship between unemployment and low cognition, moderated by age and promoted by the loss of stimulation obtained through employment, as well as by the stress experienced during unemployment. Based on these results, a series of suggestions are made to improve future studies in this emerging area.