Psychosocial Health - Research Paper Example

Because economy provides a means for us to get the resources we need and want, an economic crisis inevitably lessen the resources we can obtain, the needs that we can meet, and the wants that we enjoy. As discussed below, these affect the psychosocial health of individuals and the families and communities they belong to.According to one study, unemployed individuals are more likely to have anxiety, depression, loss of confidence, and erratic social behavior that may go as far enough as committing domestic violence and child abuse, having anger management issues, involvement in affairs and divorces (Shields and Price, 2001; Formica, 2008).

Once it affects marital relationships, its effect on families become much more apparent. Despite these findings, the effects of unemployment seem to wear off, as those that have been repeatedly laid off tend to develop indifference to their situation (Shields and Price, 2001). The amount of changes that economic crisis elicit tells on the benefits of being employed provides: prestige, social recognition, self-respect, and self-worth. In addition, it gives a sense of control purpose and belonging, as well as opportunity for social interaction.

All of these attributes point to a good mental health (Shields and Price, 2001; World Health Organization, 2011). According to Formica (2008), he saw among the people he talked with that what initiates this decrease in psychosocial health in times of economic meltdown is fear, which is understandable as the bankruptcy of companies and government bail outs were rampant. At that time, there was no sense of job security, and almost all employees live with fear of being laid off. ReferencesFormica, M. J. (2008, July 12).

The Psychological Effects of Economic Downturn. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/enlightened-living/200807/the-psychological-effects-economic-downturn. Shields, M. A. and Price, S. W. (2001). Exploring the Economic and Social Determinantsof Psychological and Psychosocial Health. IZA DPS, No. 396World Health Organization. (2011) Impact of Economic Crises on Mental Health. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe.