Job Loss and Dislocated Workers

ABSTRACT

Loss of a job is a major life event that affects nearly 10 million persons annually. Job loss places the dislocated worker at risk of poor mental health in terms of depression, anxiety, decreased self esteem and life satisfaction. Employers are attempting to meet the needs of massive job upheavals through a variety of services. Social workers are actively providing a range of services to dislocated workers in assisting individuals cope with their job loss. An effective model of treatment for job loss must provide opportunity for mourning. The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical framework and treatment model to deal with job loss based on John Bowlby's object relations theory.