Neuroendocrine and immunologic effects of unemployment and job insecurity.
We prospectively followed a cohort of 354 blue-collar men and women, some of whom lost their jobs. Results show marked effects during the anticipatory and early unemployment phase on mental well-being, serum cortisol, prolactin, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and phytohemagglutinin reactivity of lymphocytes. Most of these changes appear to be of short-term duration. However, changes in cardiovascular risk factors are observed at least 2 years following the loss of one's job. Coping style appears to be a major determinant whether or not and how people will react to unemployment.
Arnetz
B B
BB
Department of Stress Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Brenner
S O
SO
Levi
L
L
Hjelm
R
R
Petterson
I L
IL
Wasserman
J
J
Petrini
B
B
Eneroth
P
P
Kallner
A
A
Kvetnansky
R
R
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D014478:Unemployment / Q000523:psychology
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D006728:Hormones; D011388:Prolactin; D002784:Cholesterol; D006854:Hydrocortisone