Distress of unemployed job-seekers described by the Zulliger test using the comprehensive system

Abstract

The aim was to analyse the distress of unemployed people in relation to the stability of their previous employment and the duration of their current unemployment. The subjects were unemployed men (n = 169) and women (n = 116) aged 30 - 50. The theoretical model used in this study was based on psychodynamic theory. One of the elements of the model was the deprivation theory of Jahoda, according to which unemployment means a loss of manifest and/or latent functions of work. Jahoda's theory was broadened by the ideas of Winnicott, who analysed the experiences of the deprived child. A third element was formed by the findings of the Finnish psychoanalysts Ikonen and Rechardt, who have studied the origins of shame as a consequence of failure in striving for an approving reciprocity. The emotional experience of this failure was considered to resemble that of an unsuccessful job-seeker. Distress was studied by the Zulliger inkblot method. The protocols were coded and interpreted according to the Comprehensive System. Distress appeared to be more pronounced among subjects who had experienced a stable career line than among those having experienced an unstable or stagnated career line. A further finding was that the distress seemed to be at its lowest in the group of subjects having the longest duration of unemployment. The findings were in accord with the hypotheses. The usability of the theoretical model and the Zulliger technique in research regarding the psychological aspects of unemployment is discussed, as well as the applicability of the findings for developing client services in employment offices.