Welfare Reform Transitions

SUMMARY

The research surrounding welfare-to-work programs suggests a number of potential factors that mediate welfare dependency including a person's emotional well-being. This study explored how emotional well-being measures of TANF recipients are related to current job type. Findings indicate perceived control self-efficacy and self-esteem were significantly correlated with jobs that paid more than minimum wage. This may suggest feelings of mastery and competence may be precursors to better paying jobs. Many other emotional well-being variables including depression, happiness, life satisfaction, and optmism were not associated with earning levels from employment. Policy recommendations are offered based on current and previous findings.

Key Words:

• Emotional well-being
• TANF recipients
• job status
• earned income