Reported changes in behaviour after job loss in a sample of older unemployed men

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Abstract
This study investigated reported changes in behaviour after job loss in a sample of 42 unemployed men contacted via a helping agency in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. Subjects reported increases in time spent on domestic activities and in a wide range of other activities and decreases in time spent on some activities that required money. Increases in activities involving domestic work, entertainment through money, and social contacts were negatively related to psychological distress (GHQ‐12). Increases in activities involving social contacts were positively related to life satisfaction. Increases in activities involving recreations and entertainment through money were negatively related to reported financial stress. increases in passive, aimless activities were positively related to psychological distress and negatively related to life satisfaction and an index of quality of life that took account of opportunities for skill‐utilisation. variety, influence, purposive behaviour, and structured use of time in daily activities. Reported financial stress and financial strain were both positively related to psychological distress and negatively related to life satisfaction and quality of life. The results were taken to indicate the importance of the availability of money and goal‐directed activities for unemployed people.