Knowledge that Transforms

This study presented and tested a model of response to involuntary job loss based on R. S. Lazarus and S. Folkman's (1984) theory of stress, appraisal, and coping. The sample included 202 individuals who provided self-report survey data at approximately 6 and 12 months following a company closing. Structural equation modeling provided support for the fit of the overall model and partial support for the hypotheses. Specifically, results indicated that coping resources are related both to the cognitive appraisal of job loss and the coping strategies developed in response to job loss, cognitive appraisal is related to the use of coping strategies, and coping strategies are related both to the level of distress felt by the individual and to the level of reemployment attained.

Longitudinal data were used to examine the effects of parental employment status and school climate on children's academic and social development. Hierarchical regression, analyses of covariance, and latent growth modeling were used to assess various aspects of change as a function of work status and school climate with family income and education as control variables. Parental employment was associated with positive changes in social and academic progress even after controlling for prior developmental level, climate, and family income although effects were small and complex. School climate had minimal effect on the outcome variables. Income and education were related to various school outcomes.

This study presented and tested a model of response to involuntary job loss based on R. S. Lazarus and S. Folkman's (1984) theory of stress, appraisal, and coping. The sample included 202 individuals who provided self-report survey data at approximately 6 and 12 months following a company closing. Structural equation modeling provided support for the fit of the overall model and partial support for the hypotheses. Specifically, results indicated that coping resources are related both to the cognitive appraisal of job loss and the coping strategies developed in response to job loss, cognitive appraisal is related to the use of coping strategies, and coping strategies are related both to the level of distress felt by the individual and to the level of reemployment attained.