Early-Life Job Loss and Later-Life Depression in China
Author Information
Author(s): Song Qian, Dong Wuyi
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Boston
Hypothesis
How is early-life job loss associated with long-term depressive symptoms in individuals aged 45 and older in China?
Conclusion
Early-life job loss is linked to increased depressive symptoms in later life, especially when it occurs during mid-career.
Supporting Evidence
- 32% of Chinese individuals aged 45 and older have experienced job loss at least once.
- Those who experienced job loss had an increased number of depressive symptoms at age 60.
- Job loss during mid-career was most detrimental to later-life psychological well-being.
Takeaway
If someone loses their job when they're younger, it can make them feel sadder when they're older, especially if it happened during their 30s or 40s.
Methodology
The study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and Life History data to analyze the impact of early-life job loss on depressive symptoms.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 45 and older, with a nationally representative sample from China.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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