Psychological effects of prolonged unemployment: Relevance to models of work re-entry following injury.

The literature on the psychological and mental health effects of unemployment is reviewed in terms of its main effects and the factors that mediate its impact. Significant decrements in mental health for people of all ages are identified, with additional effects of prolonged unemployment, employment commitment, social relationships, gender, ethnic group, social class, local unemployment rate, and personal vulnerability. An integrative model is described and its applicability to models of adjustment to work-related disability is argued.