Abstract

Aim

The research study has focussed on analysing the association between recent job loss and onset of depression among the 18 to 65 years old population in Europe. 

Background

Economic recession in Europe has been observed to result in mass loss of jobs among every section of the society. This job loss has been observed to increase mental health issues among every section of the European population, who have lost their jobs. Lack of qualitative systematic review research on this specific topic has motivated the conduction of the present research. 

Method

Qualitative systematic literature review or SLR Qual was performed for the research. Three authentic databases were searched with the respective keywords and BOOLEAN operators to get the search results. Finally, a total of 7 studies were observed to match the selection criteria and were included in the research. 

Results

The results have shown that job loss was resulting in mental stress and anxiety due to various factors, finally leading to depression. Both short and long term mental health effects were observed to exist after job loss, among the people. 

Conclusion

Recent job loss and depression were association with each other, considering recent job loss among 18-65 years old people of Europe. 

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Rationale for the Research Topic

More recent research has looked at the complicated link between unemployment and depression, mainly in European cities. The competitiveness of cities and job opportunities make it harder for unemployed individuals to find work. The research investigates how the emergence of business failures can impact sadness in the unique social and financial circumstances of metropolitan cities like Europe. Durand and Arbone (2022) demonstrate that a part of individuals is unemployed in several European cities.

The average number of unemployed individuals in the European Union as stated by Eurostat is 7.3%Rates are diverse and completely different cities, which clarifies the contrasts between nations. Athens and Madrid have witnessed a long-standing absence of people in various offices. Considering the numbers, being unaware of whether one will work may have an impact on mental health.

There is a link between unemployment and sadness, according to the numbers. There is a strong link between unemployment in cities and sadness, according to the European Mental Health Research Consortium. Rezapour et al. (2020), on the other hand, looked at more than 5,000 people in different European towns. The results show that people who had been unemployed for six months were 1.5 times more likely to show signs of depression than people who could find work.

Unemployment leads to problems with money, self-doubt, and other mental illnesses. In a European city with a lot of people and high costs of living, losing employment all of a sudden can be stressful and adversely effects of funds. The financial stress and social shame that come with being unemployed can make sadness and feelings of not being important worse.

Jakstis and Fischer (2021) additionally discovered that living in a citychanges how people react to unemployment. The employment market is tough in cities, so it is crucial to find work quickly. Seeing time go by may make the individuals more anxious and slow down employment loss recovery. People in cities don't have a lot of social support, which makes the loneliness and sadness that come with unemployment even worse.

There are various connections between unemployment and sadness in different groups of people. It impacts children as well as adults who do not know much. The European Social Survey by Wild et al. (2020) found that 18 to 24 years in cities were more likely than older people to become depressed after losing their employment. People with less education are more likely to be jobless and unhappy because it is challenging for them to find work.

Advocates for mental health and policymakers must look at the complicated link between elevated joblessness and sadness in cities across Europe as a whole. We need to act right away to help jobless people handle their money and feelings. To reach this goal, we can improve jobless benefits, lower the cost of mental health care, and encourage people to get involved in their communities.

Moreover, Rudenstine et al. (2023) also stress that bad ideas about unemployment should go away and people should value success and personal worth more. It is possible to lessen the adverse effects of unemployment on mental health by recognising how common job instability is, learning about how it affects people's minds, and using focused treatments. As they deal with the modern job market, European countries need to handle the link between losing a job and depression in order to build strong and psychologically sound society


Figure 1: National approximations of depression occurrence or indications
(Source: Statista, 2024)

There were more cases of unemployment or signs of depression in many OECD countries when the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020. Moreover, 23.5% of individuals in the UK alleged they were depressed in 2020, up since 6.6% in 2019. In contrast to the previous year, the grid shows how nationwide polls of depression and saddened indications changed in early 2020 (Tomaszek and Muchacka-Cymerman, 2020).

1.2 Research Question:

RQ: What is the relationship between recent job loss and onset of mental health condition (depression) among 18-65 years old people, associated with European sectors?

A SPIDER framework has been used to develop this research question and relate it with the topic of this research. 

S (Sample population) – 18 to 65 years old people from European working sectors
PI (Phenomenon of Interest) – Relationship between job loss and mental health condition (depression) 
D (Design) – Secondary
E (Evaluation) – Negative effects of recent job loss on mental health condition (depression)
R (Research type) – Qualitative systematic literature review (SLR qual)

1.3 Relevance to the Wider Public Health Field of Study:

It is essential for public health to look into the link between recent unemployment and downfalls in cities across Europe. This is especially true when the individuals consider how it affects healthcare systems and resources. As people who are unemployed suffer mentally, public health professionals need to be aware of the difficult link between mental health and economic situations.

They should take care of people's well-being and the work that the hospital system is required to perform. The growing need for mental health treatment and the strain on healthcare resources also have an effect on public health. Unemployment makes depression worse, which makes more people want to get help for their mental health (Wan et al., 2023).

Due to excess people needing mental health services, hospitals and other health care groups have to pay for them. The cost of diagnosing, treating, and providing help for people with depression cuts into healthcare budgets and takes the revenue away from other important areas.

When unemployment and depression work together, they make an increasingly serious public health problem that raises the cost of health care. Physical health problems can get worse or start because of depression, and they may need both medical and psychological help. Having these two problems at the same time costs healthcare systems a lot of revenue and makes it harder for them to meet the needs of their patients.

Moreover, in order to lower healthcare costs and ensure sure long-term success of public health programmes, it is important to understand and deal with the link between unemployment and depression (White et al., 2021).

In cities across Europe, high housing prices and competitive job markets make the economic problems caused by unemployment even worse. When the individuals lose their employment, their finances can become unstable; this can delay medical care and cause treatments to become more difficult and cost more. When people wait too long to get medical care, they may have more dangerous conditions that need more time and money to diagnose and treat. This makes hospitals' workloads heavier.

Furthermore, in the healthcare sectors such as hospitals are having a hard time managing the healthcare system and treating mental health problems. Since, long-term stress changes the body, depression can lead to comorbidities like heart or metabolic diseases. Since, mental and physical health are linked, we need a unified public health policy to deal with the many ways that unemployment affects people's overall health.

The unemployment-related depression also has long-lasting effects on the public health sector. Chronic mental illnesses use up a lot of healthcare resources and make people less productive and able to find work. Finding work can be hard for people with depression who don't get treatment, which can make their mental health problems worse (Naeem et al.,2021).

Lastly, studying the link between losing a employment recently and depressions in cities in Europe is relevant to the public health field. The effects aren't just on mental health; they also include a strain on healthcare resources, rising costs, and long-term risks for society. There is a link between the economic, mental, and healthcare systems that public health professionals need to be aware of in order to create complete plans that address all the problems that arise from people losing their employment in cities. These kinds of projects improve people's health and the long-term durability and robustness of public health facilities.

1.4 Justification for Using a Systematic Review of the Literature:

Conducting an in-depth analysis of the existing literature is necessary to look into the link between current unemployment and depression in urban Europe. Since this is a complicated and wide-ranging problem, a systematic review is the only way to combine past studies and fully grasp the connection.

Beginning with a systematic review helps to find and incorporate relevant literature from a variety of sources so that individuals can fully look into the link between losing an occupation and depression in urban Europe (Hennink and Kaiser, 2022). This makes sure that there are many different points of view, approaches, and results, which leads to a fuller picture.

Moreover, a systematic literature review uses a clear and well-organized way to pick and evaluate studies without any bias. As losing employment and sadness are sensitive and important topics, we need reliable and fair information to study this connection.

A systematic review also looks at how well each study followed the research design to find the best evidence. This makes the results more accurate and useful. It guides future research and shapes plans to deal with the psychological implications of losing an employment in urban Europe through a thorough review that gathers and rates all the available evidence.

1.5 Aim and Objectives of the Research:

The aim of this research study was to explore the association between recent job loss and onset of mental health condition (depression) among 18-65 years old people associated with European sectors. 

The objectives of this research were –
•    To analyse the factors affecting mental health of people after recent job loss in European sectors.
•    To analyse the relationship between job loss and depression as an outcome among 18-65 years old population of Europe. 
•    To explore the recommendations for government and policy makers associated with improvement of mental health, of 18-65 years old population in Europe. 

1.6 Signposting for the Reader:

Figure 2: Signposting for readers
(Source: Self-Created)

Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.0 Chapter overview

A literature review (LR) is an integrated part of research which includes academic literature related to historical elements, current factors, theories and models related to the research topic. Providing significant and relevant academic literature to identify the impacts of job loss on mental health is the main focus of the literature review.

According to the recent reports of the European healthcare systems, monitoring suicidal risks was the foremost focus as an outcome of depression among all sections of the society (Consilium 2023). Also, data from Consilium (2023), it can be said that depression is a major disorder and is also focussed specifically under the mental health criteria (Consilium, 2023). Depression is thus a significant mental health condition that the healthcare system has prioritized due to increasing personal suffering in workers (Zahoor, 2021). The economic burden is directly related to the causes of depression which has highlighted the contribution of unemployment to create mental distress.

Finding journals and articles to establish the relationship between job loss and depression is a crucial role in the research. Understanding the factors under the Europe setting helps to maintain the focus on existing literature on European employment culture to analyze the dependency between recent job loss and increasing depression in individuals.

Psychological factors, employment mechanisms, economic factors, and cultural diversity are vital elements in finding specific literature on the topic (Lulle, 2021). Moreover, relevant theories related to human capital theory, psychological stress theory and labour market segmentation theory are included in the theoretical part to acknowledge specific criteria maintained by European settings to impact mental health negatively. The labour market segmentation theory has been observed to underpin the economic recession and lack of job for employees in a nation. 

2.1 Relationship between independent and dependent factors

In this review, factors are exploring what ongoing employment cutback means for individuals' mental health in urban European settings. They are particularly interested in three factors: socioeconomic status, social help, and coping strategies which have become the main influences of ongoing depression of employees in Europe (Zhang et al., 2020).

Socioeconomic status considered as independent variable, which includes income, education, and occupation, can impact how individuals deal with the departure of a task (Zhang et al., 2020). Individuals with higher socioeconomic status could have better access to resources and backing, potentially influencing their mental well-being.

Social help, coming from family, companions, and the community, acts as a cushion against the emotional impact of losing jobs (for example – due to economic recession).

Workers with organizations could find it easier to adapt to the challenges, reducing the likelihood of developing depression. Coping strategies, the ways individuals handle stress, also play a crucial job.

Healthy strategies like seeking new employment or talking to friends can mitigate the negative effects, while unhealthy methods such as substance abuse can worsen mental health (Recalde et al., 2019). By studying how these factors interact, the researchers aim to understand the reason why some individuals facing job loss foster depression while others do not, providing valuable insights to support those in vulnerable situations.

2.2 Empirical study

2.2.1 To scrupulously identify primary qualitative studies that address the intricate interplay between unemployment and depression in urban European contexts.

According to the author Nowalska-Kapuścik (2021), their research dives into the problems faced by senior residents as they faced issues in coping with advanced technologies in job market of Europe.  

Family obligations were also been observed to affect the quality of living among European elderly population. Losing job and failing to support the families were observed to be associated with mental health problems among the elderly people in Europe.

This study accentuates the specific requirement for designated mediations customized to address the complicated convergence of joblessness and psychological wellness issues looked at by older people in Europe.

By revealing insight into the complex battles of this segment, the exploration features the significance of carrying out unambiguous and compelling emotionally supportive networks. These mediations ought to be intended to mitigate the monetary weights experienced by senior residents and give them the essential assets to meet their energy needs. Also, psychological wellness support projects ought to be coordinated to assist them with adapting to the close-to-home cost of their conditions. 

By and large, the review highlights the need for thorough and compassionate ways to deal with further develop the prosperity of senior residents confronting joblessness, energy destitution, and gloom in metropolitan European settings

According to the author Beno (2021) particularly during the difficult period of Coronavirus, European market has faced more job losses. While this study doesn’t straightforwardly address joblessness, it gives a more extensive viewpoint on the social determinants influencing emotional well-being in metropolitan conditions. The discoveries highlight the significance of thinking about financial variables, like joblessness, while concentrating on psychological well-being issues like gloom.

Joblessness can make monetary flimsiness, which, when joined with the difficulties of sticking to clinical medicines like Workmanship, can fundamentally influence a person’s psychological prosperity. By looking at the boundaries looked by people living with HIV/Helps, the concentrate by implication features the significance of understanding comparable difficulties faced by jobless people managing wretchedness in metropolitan European settings.

2.2.2 To critically analyze the collated findings, discerning common themes, patterns, and nuances in European job market.

According to the authors Monje-Amor (2020),Transformational leadership practices such as mental health support and personal thought can incite a steady organizational climate that invigorates tall levels of work engagement which is lacking in the European job market. The opportunity for learning and improvement is another measurement that empowers employees' career progression within the organization.

Back envelops getting criticism and direction from subordinates, colleagues and bosses in European organisations. by implies of uplifting communication, transformational pioneers give importance and create a sense of eagerness. Mental stimulation enhances employees' cooperation within the decision-making prepare that advances basic considering, issue fathoming and learning and advancement openings.

Hones and working conditions that advance basic strengthening give workers more noteworthy independence and support by giving them control over their work. Competence or self-efficacy demonstrates one's capacity or individual authority to perform work exercises. Self-determination concerns an individual's sense of opportunity or level of independence to begin and carry out assignments. Effect alludes to the degree to which people accept their work can impact organizational results.

Bakker (2021) explained that since at that point legitimate companies are centring on presenting work-life balance arrangements in Europe. Due to this fast alter within the labour advertise, it's getting to be about outlandish to adjust the work and life. This circumstance puts weight on the person 1368 and thus work-family strife emerges. Burned-out people feel abused and depleted by the same work they were once so excited approximately

Most ponders have been conducted among workers with no or gentle burnout complaints. The central contention is that burnout is the result of destitute working conditions combined with fizzled self-regulation. The research study has considered evasion adapting and self-undermining as self-regulation techniques that are by and large maladaptive.

In expansion, the researchers examine work push recuperation and work making as versatile self-regulation methodologies. A third commitment of this paper is that it offers modern cures for burnout. We propose top-down mediations, counting a few human asset hones and solid administration, and contend that basic organizational assets will offer assistance representatives to control their short-term weariness and dodge persevering burnout.

2.2.3 To synthesize insights gleaned, thereby enabling the formulation of astute recommendations for public health interventions and delineating avenues for future research.

According to the authors Gabriel et al. (2022), this implies supporting representatives’ prosperity proactively. The exploration features that establishing a solid working environment climate, beginning from the top leadership is so significant which is lacking in European job market. Pioneers play a critical part in advancing the prosperity of their representatives. The review accentuates the dire requirement for organizations to put resources into drives that attention to both mental and actual well-being.

Thus, they can lay out a good work environment culture where representatives feel esteemed as well as upheld. They underline the significance of administration responsibility and dynamic association in advancing representative prosperity. For organizations expecting to make compelling prosperity programs, this examination focuses on the requirement for certified endeavours from the top administration.

By putting resources into the well-being and bliss of their workers, associations can encourage a good environment where everybody feels appreciated and inspired. This, thus, prompts a more connected and fulfilled labor force, helping both the workers and the association in general. There are shortages of skilled labour seen in the European market.

According to the author de Leeuw (2023), well-being advancement research goes past individual prosperity and enters the domain of strategy practice. This implies seeing how elevating well-being is associated with legislative issues. The reality is more complicated than a straightforward division of individuals agreeing to formal abilities. When vagrants cannot get to occupations where they seem to put their aptitudes in utilize due to basic imperatives, brain circulation and preparing remain an incredible challenge in European intra-mobility substances. The creator focuses on that well-being mediations ought to be viewed as significant pieces of strategy making.

By understanding governmental issues, policymakers can make explicit mediations that tackle general medical conditions. The creator underlines the reconciliation of exploration discoveries into strategy choices. This coordination guarantees that choices about general well-being depend on strong proof and exploration. The bits of knowledge from this examination uncover the unique connection between exploration and strategy.

In addition, morals ought to reexamine the categorisation of 'lower-skilled' as a portrayal of 'lower-ranked' people. Callings and occupations are seen as lower-skilled and may require an awesome sum of encapsulated and socially delicate competences as well as self-confidence, physical perseverance and more. It underlines the significance of coordinated effort among analysts and policymakers. At the point when scientists and policymakers cooperate, they can make mediations that genuinely have an effect.

Overcoming any barrier between exploration and strategy practice is essential. Complex casual abilities matter can improve portable individuals' future profit and their career direction.It prompts very much educated choices that benefit society overall. These choices add to the general well-being and prosperity of networks, showing the genuine effect of examination on the existence of individuals.

2.3 Theories and models

Human capital theory, Psychological Stress Theory, and Labor Market Segmentation theory have been playing a crucial role in understanding the causes of depression due to job loss. 

2.3.1 Human capital theory

Individuals' skills, qualifications and experiences have become some vital components to developing the hiring system in the European setting; rapid changes in the economic system have prioritized higher productivity due to increasing advancement in technologies (Mellander and Florida, 2021).

Marginson (2019) has stated that there are some limitations in the human management system in the labor market. Increasing demand for economic productivity has increased investments in advanced technologies which have reduced the need for human skills.

Devaluation of individuals' human capital has increased the number of job losses. Moreover, employees' skills have become less relevant to executing tasks by making fewer errors (Lupu, 2021). Generating a sense of waste potential has reduced the worth of human capital in the digital age which has negatively impacted mental health.

Realizing the fact of irrelevancy has increased mental distress which has negative impacts on productivity. The digital age has reduced the significance of human resources who have limited technological skills that represent irrelevancy. On the other hand, Hung and Ramsden (2021) have argued with the concept of human irrelevancy by highlighting the concept of digital literacy.

There is resistance among people to adopt new and advanced skills to generate potential impacts which has increased advantages for organisations to fire unskilled employees. A lack of interest among people to participate in training has created a lack of opportunities to utilize skills. Individuals have become unable to transform skills to reduce the disconnection between human capital and job responsibilities.

However, job markets have shown less activity to provide opportunities for training to gain skills which has reduced the chances of individuals' long-term career prospects which has increased financial problems (Latov and Tikhonova, 2021). Losses of financial earnings and crisis have directly impacted mental health by leading difficulties to in meeting basic needs and financial security. 

2.3.2 Psychological Stress Theory

Financial insecurity, loss of social standard and challenges to fulfill daily needs are some vital factors under the theory which has led to the relationship between job loss and depression (Margalit, 2019). Job losses create Disruptions in lifestyle due to reducing safety features in individuals’ lives by creating sudden losses of income. There are various dependencies involved in individuals’ lives related to financial and emotional responsibilities.

Sudden financial losses caused problems in managing basic needs which generated both physical and mental suffering. Sonnentag and Zacher (2021) have highlighted the perspective of Lazarus by uncovering the facts related to ageing and stress. Lazarus nature of employees reduces efficiency in organisational activities which increases mental stress.

Increasing populations have increased the number of job-seeking people which has created pressure on the existing labor market to manage excessive pressure to maintain their positions.  The European market has provided opportunities to people who are highly skilled in managing multiple tasks (Kriz, 2021). People with a lack of skill to execute multiple tasks used to face the fear of job loss. The increasing availability of human resources has created problems for aged employees to contribute potentially in productivity which is the reason behind sudden job losses.

Sudden job losses have significantly impacted the social status of individuals who are used to maintaining a high standard of living. On the other hand, Lee (2021) agreed with the concept of sudden job losses due to factors like technological growth, Pandemics and economic transformations. The COVID pandemic is an important example of creating sudden unemployment which has had negative impacts on daily life.

Initial lockdowns during the pandemic have caused problems in fulfilling the minimum needs of households due to a lack of financial resources. However, the digital age has been taken into consideration by workplaces to change the form of working (Umucu et al., 2022). People with less digital literacy have faced negative psychological impacts due to changes in cultural attitudes in the workplace.

However, unemployment benefits have played a vital role in increasing a lack of interest among people to take active participation in workplaces (Witteveen and Velthorst, 2020). Therefore, individuals have made gaps in personal development by getting benefits of unemployment which has increased stress in the present. 

2.3.3 Labour Market Segmentation Theory

The European labour market involves various degrees of segmentation which has increased types of employment contracts like permanent, temporary and part-time. People contracting as temporary employees have been facing a higher risk of job losses (Felbo-Kolding 2019). The theory explains the process of developing a stress culture by segmenting the job market in the European setting (Ansell and Mullins, 2021), which has a significant impact on recent job loss.

Segmenting the job market has generated a lack of accessibility of benefits which has increased fear among individuals. Felbo-Kolding (2019) has stated differences in social security provided by the labour market in European countries. Workers are insecure in some segments of the market due to weaker labour protection which has made work culture more stressful.

Moreover, the theory has highlighted the discrimination and inequality made by the employment sector by creating barriers in job facilities (Felbo-Kolding, 2019). There is a lack of standard employment structure maintained by the European workplace setting. Social facilities like leaves and incentives are less accessible for people who are temporarily contracted with job counselling (Veale and Zuiderveen Borgesius, 2021).

Rubbers (2020) have agreed that labour market segmentation has increased inequality in the job sector which leads to a lack of mental support. There are barriers faced by employees to get financial facilities while working in temporary positions.

Income disparity has become a crucial factor in mental distress which leads to increasing job losses to seek secured jobs. A lack of financial resources has increased inequality in income which has increased stress to mitigate needs.

Moreover, governmental interventions are less effective in the European employment setting due to the power of trade unions (Tonoyan, 2020). Despite the historical effectiveness of job security, changes in the political environment have impacted the job market which increases negative impacts on individuals. 

2.4 Literature gap

Analysing the relationship between job loss and mental stress has included several concepts related to job security, segmentation in the job market, and the role of policy interventions. Finding academic sources to identify these significant components is challenging due to the availability of stress-related theories and concepts related to European context.

Highlighting the effects of job losses has highlighted different concepts like income inequality, a lack of job security and lack skills which has increased risks of financial management (Wachter, 2020). However, relating each element with the mental health condition is a difficult task by analysing the components of academic resources like articles and journals.

However, the European setting has included multiple factors and mechanisms related to employment which has increased diversity behind the reasons for job losses. Emphasizing components like disruptions in daily routines, social status and financial insecurity have highlighted different concepts related to depression. Cultural, technological and economic factors have played vital roles in job losses which has increased the risk of depression.

Identifying the potential factors by analysing a wide range of academic material is challenging which has created gaps in the literature (O'Reilly, 2019). Therefore, eliminating the other factors like work environment, roles of leaders and management are some potential gaps while using secondary qualitative method.  

2.5 Conceptual framework

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework
(Source: Self-Created in Draw.io)

Investigating how losing an employment affects individuals' mental health in urban Europe. They are looking at three important factors: first, the social and economic status of individuals, including their income and education, which can influence how they adapt to employment cutback. Individuals with higher socioeconomic status could have better access to resources and backing (Swensen and Urban, 2023).

Second, they are studying the help individuals get from their families, companions, and communities, as this help can assist with reducing the negative impact of losing an employment on mental well-being. The review examines the various ways individuals deal with employment cutback, whether by seeking new work, talking to others, or engaging in unhealthy behaviours which has developed job losses.

2.6 Summary

As per Chapter 2, academic papers have helped to highlight the direct links between psychological distress and unemployment. Identifying job loss as an independent variable and depression as the dependent variable has helped to identify social, economic and environmental factors related to the European market. Finding the devaluation of human capital has identified the reasons behind increasing job losses in urban areas (Perez and Matsaganis, 2019).

Technological advancements, the role of the European job market and aspects of human resources have been included in the research by collecting academic resources. Highlighting the European context of employment has involved complex social, economic and psychological phenomena related to the consequences of job loss creating mental distress.

Economic downturns have been highlighted in the research which has provided the reasons behind job losses like the pandemic and recessions. Economic consequences have changed the job market which has contributed to the development of depression.

Analysing the empirical studies has highlighted changing trends in the European employment culture which has generated depression. Additionally, theoretical aspects have uncovered the impacts of unemployment on mental health by using the perspectives of various authors.

Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1 Introduction

The methodology is an integrated part of a systematic review to develop effective conclusions by maintaining the authenticity of the information. Selecting specific methods for collecting and interpreting information is the primary goal of designing the methodology chapter. Reliable information is selected using reliable methods to reflect on the assumptions made in the research (Jiao and Azimian, 2021).

Ensuring unwavering quality and trustworthiness is essential to foster impartial outcomes by developing methodical research by collecting auxiliary information is challenging by analyzing the authenticity of sources (Zhang et al., 2020). However, this chapter is developed to describe the processes used in the research to collect and interpret secondary information related to job loss faced by individuals in urban European settings due to increasing globalization.

Selecting methods helps to collect information to generate the relationship between job loss and depression experienced by the employment sector in Europe. Job loss has major impacts on both the physical and mental health of individuals due to a decrease in standard of living. Gathering information related to job losses faced by people in European countries and their significant impacts on mental health is the main inclusion area of discussion.

Summarizing the evidence based on psychological distress related to job losses has included socio-economic factors in the European context. Reviewing the existing materials helps highlight the demographic, economic and social factors influencing the psychological health and behaviours of people. Using the systematic review process includes consistency in the research by detailing keyword-related information (Bennett et al., 2023). However, exclusion criteria are an important part of the research which has excluded databases outside of the context. 

3.2 Search strategy

3.2.1 Databases

Secondary databases are used in the research which includes authentic sources to include valid information related to the topic. Collecting information related to mental health conditions of people ages 19-65 due to job losses has highlighted the anxiety and stress levels of individuals. Ethos, Scribber and Psycinfo have been chosen for gathering information on mental stress generated by increasing job losses in Europe (Bühler et al., 2023).

Selecting the European setting has given significant factors like increasing demand for administrations, quality and digitalization which has diminished the requirement for humans in the business sector. Scholarly papers have played major roles in providing top notch information related to the work sector of Europe to understand the causes of job losses (Osibona, 2021). Using multiple sources has helped to include diversity in the information to understand variation in the context of measuring authenticity.

Scribber is also a reputed data source which has included valid academic articles to gather information. Highlighting information from existing academic sources helps to understand the scenario of current unemployment in Europe which has become an important economic problem (McNamara, 2021).

Gathering statistical and numerical information related to the unemployment rate and changes in the unemployment rate helps to understand the standard of living of consumers to highlight the reasons behind increasing mental distress (Jacob et al., 2023). Multiple sources have developed a multidisciplinary methodological ability to utilize existing databases effectively.

Generating a diverse nature in data sources has enhanced the integration of the employment market and factors of mental toughness presented in Europe. There are different perspectives of authors included in the review to compare various viewpoints to connect job loss with mental distress (Schiweck et al., 2020). The databases were searched with the keywords  and respective BOOLEAN operators. The selected databases were observed to comprise of research papers based on social science and mental health. Therefore they were selected for the current research study. 

3.2.2 Search strategy

Developing systematic by using existing qualitative information has made the utilization of keywords the most effective way to find potential academic papers. Researching the unemployment in Europe influencing the negative mental conditions of individuals has included different factors. There are different keywords used to gather information to understand the psychological conditions of adults. Keywords like the reasons for unemployment, mental distress, and behavioral changes among young adults have helped to clarify socioeconomic factors to analyze the impacts on psychological well-being.

Using the key words like mental health diseases of individuals connected with the European job market has included effective and relevant literature to take the attention towards explicit information (Geneshka et al., 2021). By serving appropriate keywords, the research has included targeted articles to ensure integrity by eliminating relevant databases. Identifying standard keywords has played a vital role in finding databases appropriate for the research.

Addressing triggered situations faced in European workplaces which used to negatively impact psychological elements like emotions, and feelings of individuals is the result of using standardized keywords. Searching system is dependent on keywords and terms like reduction in the standard of living, and increasing suicidal tendency among young age group has shown the importance of keyword searching.

Categorizing the search materials is an important part of developing a broader sense of researching a multidimensional area of unemployment (Singh et al., 2020). Therefore, the key terms have been categorized by using the Boolean operators “AND” and “OR”. Both operators have significantly focused on the European workplace environment. 

Table 1: Potential terms in the topic
(Source: Self-created by the researcher)

3.2.3 Search Framework

SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenal interest, Design, Evaluation, Research type) is the tool selected for the research to analyze the characteristics of the age group facing mental toughness due to job losses. Using the framework is effective for research by using qualitative factors to maintain the organized nature. Moreover, SPIDER is used to develop phenomenal interest in the topic by using effective designing, and evaluation methods to increase data usability of qualitative research (Jimenezet al., 2021).

Generating phenomenal interest is directly connected with the aim and objectives of the research to priorities specific subjective information by defining issues. Focusing on phenomenal concepts related to mental disorders has helped to consider main concepts. Systematic design is selected for the qualitative method of research which has focused on case studies to gather qualitative information. SPIDER helps to gather concepts from real scenarios to evaluate effective phenomena to outline the research.

Evaluating the operations made by industries in urban areas has helped to highlight descriptive information based on job losses. Moreover, the evaluation discusses materialistic changes faced by people due to job losses which have directly impacted mental conditions (Chatterji et al., 2021). Additionally, the elements related to mental disorders, and high rates of job search have evaluated the qualitative nature of the research by using SPIDER. Therefore, applying the SPIDER has helped to maintain the targeted qualitative approach selected for the research [Referred to Appendix 1]. 
 

Table 2: Components of the SPIDER tool
(Source: self-created)

3.3 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Table 3: Criteria of inclusion and exclusion
(Source: Self-created by the researcher)

Setting the components by developing exclusion and inclusion criteria is important to ensure the systematic reviewing process. There is a specific time frame chosen from 2019 to 2023 can help to collect the current data regarding the study effectively. The European employment sector has been guaranteed in the context which has assisted with limiting the sample population (Kamdar et al., 2020). Gathering different perspectives is easier based on the inclusion criteria which have increased the alignment capacity to meet the objectives.

Using qualitative empirical studies for conceptualizing the subjective materials related to the experiences of individuals who have faced unemployment situations has added a dynamic nature (Uljarević et al., 2020). Developing relationships among variables like job stress, dissatisfaction with industries, and job burnout have included valuable perspectives to increase the socioeconomic nature of the research.

Moreover, qualitative studies have been based on the specific regions of Europe which can help the researcher to understand the sample more cognizant of understanding economic, social and organisational factors faced by individuals. Increasing biases have been seen in the employment sector in the urban areas in Europe which have increased mental stress on individuals with a lack of skills (Dahlberg et al., 2022).

Addressing the concept of focusing on demographic and social factors has helped to enhance the potential of inclusion criteria to gather specific perceptions on unemployment. Using the inclusion criteria is highly effective in maintaining the standard of the research by gathering information related to the targeted population. There are parameters excluded by using the exclusion criteria which has enhanced the depth of understanding of the subject area. 

3.4 Assessing quality

3.4.1 Quality assessment tool

Assessing the quality of the research plays playing major role in delivering effective knowledge to readers by highlighting potential perspectives and information. Critical Appraisal Skills Programmed (CASP) is an effective quality assessment tool to review research processes, and information by using checklists (McKenna et al., 2022).

A few individuals may involve a tall introduction to mental torment through amazingly upsetting and traumatic occasions; however, if they have apparatuses to control their mental torment in a way that jams well-being, their torment may stay inside a reasonable edge. Moreover, CASP efficiently manages the quality of qualitative information by analysing the effectiveness of designing, data collection, and interpreting processes in research (Hassan, 2021).

Using the tool provides an effective systematic ability to contradict different points of view while selecting specific methods of collective information by maintaining ethical considerations. 

3.4.2 Application of the tool

CASP has included an effective checklist system which has provided abilities to evaluate the research questions by analysing the quality of information used in the research. Each article is checked by using the CASP tool to understand the relationships between job burnout and its consequences on the mental health of individuals.

Developing objectives, and questions, and selecting potential keywords, and samples for the research based on the application of the CASP tool (Costa, 2021).  Life events much of the time expects persons to respond to the move with an unused collection of cognition.

CASP qualitative checklist was used to analyse the quality of all the collected pieces of evidence for the current research. Addressing questions related to increasing unemployment in Europe which has negatively impacted the household conditions of individuals have been analyzed by maintaining ethical boundaries. 

3.5 Data collection and analysis

3.5.1 Data collection table

Data extraction is the most valuable part of the research which helps to include essential information to priorities the objectives. Highlighting the processes of data collection helps to enhance the examination capabilities to priorities the situations faced by adults in the European job market (Anguelovski et al., 2021).

There is a wide range of articles found based on the emotionally stressful situational faced by adults due to meeting the requirements of job sectors. There are some components analyzed in the data extraction process which has been followed to increase the uniqueness of the research. 

1.    Identifying types of studies 
Vital details are included in this segment which includes valid information related to the authors, name of the studies and published years. These details are needed to be followed while selecting journals.
 
2.    Designing the study 
Among the various designs qualitative, quantitative, cross-sectional, and qualitative process is selected to include categories of strategies used in qualitative research.

3.    Selecting the population 
Selecting people group, job status and areas play an important job in secondary information-based research to enhance the applicability of techniques. Selecting urban areas of the European job market with choosing individuals with job status has assisted with including valid information related to mental pressure (Bodryzlova et al., 2023).

The population was selected based on 18-65 years age group, without any bias in gender. Both male and female including others were selected in the gender criteria.
4.    Key findings 
Academic and statistical information has helped to summarize results related to the topic by exploring the research’s questions. 

5.    Maintaining relevancy in the context
Relevancy is maintained by analysing the content based on the job losses of individuals from European urban regions which has helped to maintain the credibility of the research. CASP tool has helped to maintain the relevancy by providing checklist facilities (Muir et al.,2023).

3.5.2 Quality assessment for methodology

Since all the collected pieces of evidence were based on qualitative research design, it can be said that the use of CASP Qualitative checklist can be stated to be relevant for the quality analysis purposes. The checklist comprises of 10 questions, based on which the quality assessment table was created in chapter 4. The questions were present in all the columns headers of the quality assessment table. 

3.5.3 Data Extraction Table

Table 3- Structure of the data extraction table
 

Table 4: Data extraction table
(Source: Self-Created)

3.6 Data interpretation and result in

Interpreting results on analysing the association between current job loss and depression has included information by considering specific methods. In this research the researchers has implemented the Inductive approach which can help the researchers to get the actual data regarding the study. Since qualitative systematic review was performed here, it can be said that thematic analysis would be the best data analytical process.

The common concepts were analysed from all the collected pieces of evidence. These common concepts were utilised to develop the themes. The themes developed in the research study findings were observed to address the objectives of the current qualitative systematic literature review. Thus, it can be said that thematic analysis was justified for the analysis of data in this qualitative systematic literature review based research. 

3.7 Summary

Evaluating strong findings and highlighting the ways to reach effective findings have been mentioned in Chapter 3 to meet the commitments of using a systematic review process. Therefore, methods are demonstrated to highlight the organized process of systematic research. Strikingly, this outline is based on a subjective audit of the existing writing, hence enduring from all of the orderly inclinations and imprecision, numerous of which can be tended to employing efficient meta-analysis.

Besides, a few conceptual and methodological issues have to be considered when assessing observational writing on life occasions and identity alterations, such as contrasts in considering plans and test compositions (Igboanugo et al., 2021). The mental well-being issue can lead to untimely mortality and influence the quality of life.

Inquire have also found mental well-being issues are among the foremost imperative supporters to the burden of other infections and inability. The mental ailment may be a major source of the misfortune of efficiency and prosperity. Losing mental steadiness is an extra burden to financial improvement. Conducting a precise audit on what is accessible from the writing is essential as a cruel for keeping track of the ponder advance and synthesizing the rising setting.

Developing the objectives helps to identify the inclusion criteria to find databases related to authentic and significant sources. Maintaining relevancy is an essential part of the implications of specific tools and data interpretation instruments (Kwon et al., 2022).

Choosing particular methods like secondary qualitative data collection provides effective ways to include the most relevant context to highlight the research area. Using specific methods helps to control the information to increase the quality of the research. There are some other significant factors analyzed in the methodology which are the data extraction process, instruments and tools for data analysis and the instruments to interpret results which helps to summarize the research.

Chapter 4: Results

4.1 Introduction

The systematic review intended to investigate the suggestion between recent job loss and the beginning of depression among individuals in urban European scenes. Resulting in the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) rules, the review utilized a thorough selection process to recognize relevant research.

The process included future success searches across electronic databases, screening of titles and summaries, and full-text valuations. Ultimately, a Prisma flow diagram visually delineated the systematic review process, demonstrating the number of studies distinguished, screened, assessed for qualification, and included in the final investigation.

A data extraction table was used to methodically collect and organize relevant information from the selected studies. The table included key headings, for example, study author, publication year, concentrate on plan, participant characteristics, strategies utilized, and main findings related to the suggestion between recent job loss and the onset of depression.

This inductive approach expedited the combination of data from different sources, enabling an exhaustive analysis of the existing literature. The findings from the systematic review exposed suggested understandings into the relationship between recent job loss and the onset of depression in urban European scenes.

Common themes design the available synthesized data, focusing on the psychological impact of unemployment and the circumstantial factors manipulating the association. By employing a qualitative method, the examination provided a more profound understanding of the meetings of individuals facing job loss in these settings, contributing valuable information to the field of mental health and business research in urban European situations.

4.2 A Prisma flow diagram showing how the process followed to determine the studies

The PRISMA flowchart representing the process of data collection has been presented below-



Fig 1: The PRSIMA flowchart showing 7 papers, as the finally selected ones. The selection process has been schematically represented in the above section. The first search has been observed to show that there were a high number of research studies.

However, after observing the titles of the papers, a significant number of papers were rejected from the study results. Furthermore, after observing the abstract of the research papers, a significant number of research studies were excluded. However, after screening of the body contents, duplicate contents from both title and body of the papers were removed. Finally, 7 papers were selected as the results of the research study. 
Source: (PRISMA)

4.3 Use a data extraction table to extract the relevant information for the selected studies

Table 4: Data extraction table
 

The table was developed according to the university guidelines associated with the development of a data extraction table, in correspondence with qualitative systematic literature review. All the collected papers were based on qualitative research designs and were performed with European population.

Moreover, interview was utilised for collecting data from the study participants. The age group of all the participants associated with all the above stated research studies were found to be between 18 and 65 years. Finally, all the collected studies were published between 2013 and 2023. Thus, it can be said that all the 7 collected papers did match the inclusion criteria and were ready for quality analysis by CASP qualitative checklist. The same has been stated in the following section of this chapter. 

4.4 Quality assessment

Table 5: Quality assessment (CASP Qualitative checklist table)
 

After analysing the quality of the collected pieces of evidence, it can be said that the overall quality of the collected pieces of evidence is significantly high. Therefore, they were selected for the conduction of the current qualitative systematic literature review. After analysing the quality of all the studies, it can be said that no research bias was associated with either of the research papers. Therefore, it can be said that the research study findings from the table can be utilised for further thematic analysis purposes. The same has been stated in the following section.  

4.5 Thematic synthesis

Theme 1 – The factors affecting mental health of people after recent job loss in European sectors

The research evidences obtained from Hiswals et al. (2017), Macassa et al. (2021) and Antunes et al. (2017) have talked about several factors that influence the mental health of people post job loss in the European sectors. Therefore, it can be said that loss of identify, stress ad sense of powerlessness were the factors leading to depression according to (Macassa et al. 2021). Moreover, Hiswas et al. (2017) has expanded their findings on the feelings of isolation, dignity loss and loss of self confidence as the main factors contributing to depression.

Finally, Antunes et al. (2017) have stated that financial pressure and changes in financial condition of the people were the causes of depression among adults, who have lost their jobs in Portugal. The research evidences have shown that financial pressures have mostly increased the mental stress of people due to loss of job. On the other hand, risks of not getting a new job soon was observed to be another factor that affected the mental health of who have experienced recent job loss.

Portugal and Sweden were the most common nations in Europe, where the negative impact of job loss on mental health were at the highest levels. Ann et al. (2016) have further stated that lack of proper opportunities to go for another job was another reason of mental health issues. Another factor associated with the poor mental health of people due to lack of job was identify crisis.

Losing a job was observed to be associated with losing self-identity. This issue has been observed to decrease the mental health quality of people, after recent job loss in the European sectors. Lack of job was also observed to increase worries about healthcare costs for the people in these regions. Due to this problem, most of them had to suffer from other health issues related to depression. Therefore, the main factors affecting depression were the outcomes of recent job loss in Europe. These were the overall factors affecting mental health of people, post recent job loss in the European sectors. 

Theme 2 – Relationship between job loss and depression as an outcome among 18-65 years old population of Europe

The theme has talked about the association between depression (a mental health outcome) and recent job loss stress among people (a causal experience). All the evidence pieces have shown that there is an association between the health outcome and the causal experience. The available  information from the research conducted by Macassa et al. (2021), Hiswals et al. (2017) as well as Antunes et al. (2017) including Antutes et al. (2019) have stated that there is an association between depression and job loss among the adults of Europe. The studies have collectively informed that involuntary job loss was the highest contributing factor for depression among the Europeans.

Specific changes in lifestyle and imbalances in financial stabilities were also observed to be primarily connected with the psychological impact of unemployment. The evidence pieces have shown that losing jobs made people more anxious about their future. This problem was increased when people had fewer opportunities to apply for new jobs (Dudek et al. 2021). Loss of the financial stability, increasing in sense of insecurity and finally alterations in lifestyle has been observed to increase depression among the adult population in Europe. Moreover, the relationship was observed to be more prominent in Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

Evidences were obtained for Poland also, regarding the job loss being a causative factor for depression among people (Dudek et al. 2021). Economic recession was observed to be the mediator of depression, as an outcome of recent job loss among the European population. Increasing healthcare costs and being unable to adapt to it due to lack of job was observed to be another promoter of the association between recent job loss and depression among people.

Previous experiences of unemployment were also observed to result in depression among the people exposed to recent job loss in Europe. Therefore, it can be said that the theme has highlighted the need for specific interventions for addressing the mental health issues, as an outcome of recent job loss. Finally, it can be said that the thematic analysis specifically highlights the overall needs for specifically targeted interventions required to address the overall mental health issues based on job loss in Europe, especially after recession. 

Theme 3 -Recommendations for government and policy makers associated with improvement of mental health, of 18-65 years old population in Europe

The findings observed form the above studies in the data table have shown that there are several recommendations for the government as well as the policy makers in order to improve the overall mental health of 18-65 years old European population. The evidence piece has shown that government should devise strategies to overcome the overall consequences of involuntary job loss during the economic crisis periods of Portugal (Macassa et al., 2021).

After this, it has been observed that the policymakers should primarily focus on increasing the reach of healthcare policies to address the mental health needs of most of the people experiencing job loss due to recession in Europe (Hiswals et al., 2017). The evidence pieces have also highlighted the fact that addressing feelings of isolation followed by worries as central elements, loss of dignity and returning back the identity to people who have lost their jobs or providing them a new identify by recruiting them in different sectors should be the main targets for governmental recommendations and policymakers.

Antunes et al. (2017) has reported the significance of adapting to specific health services to meet the mental health needs of the population that has lost their jobs. The research evidences have shown that the policy makers and governments should provide economic support to the people who have experienced involuntary loss of jobs during the recession, as compensation (Vives et al., 2013).

In this way, the administrative bodies can ensure that people living in their nation are not depressed after losing jobs. Therefore, it can be said that the study proposes the fact that policymakers must specifically prioritise the overall mental health services, economic recovery measures to improve the wellbeing of 18-65 years population in Europe. 

4.6 Summary

On a summarising note, it can be said that the current chapter has highlighted the study results in both schematic as well as theoretical pattern. The systematic review has been observed to highlight the exploration of the relationship between depression onset and recent job loss among the European people. PRISMA flowchart was utilised to represent the search strategy in schematic format. The data extraction table has provided information on the characteristics of all the 7 collected evidence pieces.

Moreover, it was observed that the quality of all the 7 collected pieces was also high. Therefore, they were applicable for data analysis.

Three specific themes were identified from the above section that addressed the research objectives. The overall quality of the evidences has been observed to be significantly high and therefore they were selected for the current systematic review. The research findings have highlighted the needs for addressing mental health of people, who have lost their jobs recently, associated with the European sectors. 

Chapter 5: Discussion

5.1 Introduction

This part of the statement is going to discuss all the findings in detail collected from the systematic literature review and analysis through the thematic data analysis process. Discussion on the findings helps in obtaining in-depth information and the actual causes that cause issues and provides an opportunity to analyse this discussion and use suitable approaches to overcome the issues.   

5.2. Critically discussion of the findings

It has been noticed that in recent years due to so many reasons, the unemployment rate has increased in European urban settings. The unemployment rate in the UK in 2021 was around more than 4% and compared to 2020 there is a 0.35% increment (MacroTrends, 2022).  This indicates the loss of jobs by the people who were effectively working within the business market.

Moreover, mental illness is also highly increasing within the European urban setting. It is noticed that out of four people, one person experienced mental illness every year.  While investigating this research topic it was noticed that there is a close connection between the job and mental illness such as depression rate increment in the European urban setting. While working at an organisation, all the employees are associated with some job responsibilities and working power that help boost the role and engage employees for continuously working.

The sudden job loss has the potential to negatively impact the mental health of the employees. The findings highlighted that due to job roles associated with so much power and responsibilities, the sudden job loss generated a sense of powerlessness that resulted in mental illness. Due to the loss of a job, stress and unemployment are increasing and higher the depression level among the people.

After losing a job, it is noticed that it takes the way of the job profile or the job designation of the employees in which they perform their responsibility this increases the loss of identity sense on the people resulting in depression (Macassaet al. 2021). The financial condition and the role in society of the people also reduced due to the loss of a job which impacts the mental health of the people. Moreover, during the economic recession, so many people lost their jobs which also negatively impacted the mental well-being of the individuals.

Investigating this research topic, it is noticed that during the economic recession, several people lost their jobs and faced issues in socialisation that affected their consumption patterns. Due to the changes in the financial condition, these are the result. Emotions such as hopelessness, low self-esteem, and isolation are increasingly impacting mental health as well as physical health as identified within the findings (Hiswålset al. 2017). To effectively maintain a social life, and to maintain the consumption rate it is very important to have financial stability.

Losing a job has the potential to impact these factors. People who are associated with long-term unemployment are going through negative emotions that destroy the mental well-being of the people. Expanding into this topic through using appropriate methodology, it is noticed that there is also a close relationship associated with the changes in socioeconomic status and poor mental health. During the recession, early retirement and other situations, it is noticed that the socio-economic status is changed compared to the employment period and that creates mental health issues within the people (Antuneet al. 2019). A comprehensive overview of the relationship between the jobless and poor mental health is highlighted in the investigation. 

While investigating, there is another aspect found through the thematic analysis that in the 18-65 years age group, people are suffering from mental health illnesses such as depression in Europe. People who lose their jobs are going through challenges in adjusting to the vocational environment, encountering with lack of opportunities, and losing the job roles that are valued and others (Netto et al. 2016). These are some personal challenges faced by people who have lost their jobs and are responsible for causing mental health illnesses.

A sense of achievement, and strong financial condition through making money by performing the job roles. These increase the job satisfaction level within individuals. Due to employment, they can not obtain these facilities and try to get and job to obtain these opportunities. This will help in increasing their satisfaction level and ensure the mental well-being of people in the UK.

As it is noted that the rate of patients suffering from mental health issues is increasing in adults, providing the opportunity to employees, who lost their jobs during the recession and pandemic period has the potential to lower the rate of mental illness within the people of the UK. This investigation also highlighted the situation that occurred in the business landscape during the post-pandemic period. The loss of jobs during the pandemic resulted in a financial crisis for the people. This is not only a concern but, finding out a new job is getting tough during the post-pandemic situation (Dudek, 2021). The isolation’s impacts on the ex-employees in Europe are also highlighted. It is noticed that during the pandemic and post-pandemic so many restrictions are noticed in social interaction that not only impact mental health but are also associated with loss of jobs and complexity in searching for new jobs. 

The role of the government and policymakers in the context of the mitigation of the impacts of mental illness and the increase in the employment rate is addressed through the investigation. Within the findings, it is noticed that compared to men, women who were ex-employees suffered from more mental health illnesses such as depression due to the loss of their jobs (Vives et al. 2013).

The government needs to implement diverse strategic approaches for effective mitigation of the situation. This will help in reducing the unemployment rate and increase the mental well-being of the people who are adults living in Europe. The importance of providing care facilities cannot be understood by government. To provide care and support to the people who suffer from depression, hopelessness and other needs to be assured within Europe. The easy accessibility by there all suffering people also needs to be ensured by the government. 

The overall discussion on the findings highlighted the core reasons associated with joblessness and mental illness of people in Europe. The recommendations have also highlighted mitigating this issue and promoting mental well-being in Europe. This research outcome not only enriches the academic but also guides the policymakers to effectively overcome the situation.    

 5.3. Critically discussing the findings in the context of the current academics:

To effectively understand the reliability and the authenticity of the findings some relevant and current literature is going to be analysed. This will ensure a cross-check of the findings and provide real-world scenarios in the context of the research topic. According to Mojtahedi et al. (2021), it is noticed that there is a relationship between job loss and mental health illness within people.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is noticed that several people have lost their jobs. During this time, social interaction is getting cut off this is resulted in the takedown of several organisations. People during this pandemic situation are isolated and also lose their job which increases stress, anxiety and depression. This is evident in how a job loss can impact mental health especially responsible for increased depression within people.

This is highly supported by the findings associated with the outcomes of searching into this topic through a systematic literature review (Hiswåls et al. 2017). In addition, it is noticed that the COVID-19 pandemic has a long-term impact on the workforce of the UK (Reuschke and Houston, 2023). Changes in employment are noticeable during this period due to the long-term occurrence of the pandemic. This is evident that a high rate of jobs loss during this pandemic period and impacted on mental health of the people.

An increase in stress, anxiety and depression is the common mental illness that occurred during this period. This is also evident and supported by the accuracy and relevance of the findings obtained through the research. The alignment of the findings with the current literature addresses the appropriateness and effectiveness of the research.

Additionally, to effectively overcome this situation and boost the mental well-being of the people, the role of the government and policymakers is also addressed in the findings. Policy makers have the potentiality to redesign the policies or made appropriate policies for overcoming the issue. The jobless results in negative impacts on mental well-being that not only created the financial crisis but also impacted personal relationships.

The swift enforcement within the employment of the UK government during the COVID-19 pandemic period resulted in job loss in the UK (Perelli‐Harris et al. 2023). This means that the government has influenced the job distribution process during the pandemic period. After losing their jobs, people especially couples suffer from financial issues and that impacts their mental health as well as their relationship. This indicates that the role of the government is crucial as it influences the employment rate.

Navigating into these complex dynamics and understanding the potential challenges, the policymakers and the government need to adjust the policies. Based on the current situation, the policymakers and the government need to redesign the mitigation strategy. 

5.4. Limitations

The systematic review has focused on considering various literature that are directly connected to understanding more about important elements that are associated with the research topic bringing about a better understanding of the recent job loss and the onset of depression. Job loss brings about financial problems for individuals that include involvement of different government policies and incentives that are often initiated for the time of recession observed in different eras (Achdut and Refaeli, 2020).

The literature considered does not provide significant information about different government policies that are initiated that have a direct influence on the overall working process and understanding of the job loss scenario in the country. Complex information is observed to be present that have a direct impact on the overall interpretation of information data that have initiated problems. 

The topic has highlighted depression that is observed among individuals specifically in the case of job loss in different scenarios. Different aspects and elements of depression can be observed within individuals that are mainly because of various activities that are directly connected to the activities that are considered by an individual in an everyday manner (McPherson et al.,2020).

It is mainly because less information is present that are connected to the depression that are specially faced by the employees because of their respective job position or job loss. Reviewing the literature has become complicated as qualityinformation is involved for the depression that is observed, which is mainly linked to the job loss of an individual, which has initiated a complex situation within the research process.

Important elements are also associated with economic recession that are observed in various parts of the world, which often create job loss for the population. Economic recession holds various elements that are directly connected to bringing about negative impacts on the overall life of people (Debata et al.,2020).

Understanding more about the complexities and lesser information and knowledge regarding the aspects of economic recession has provided significant limitations for the relevant review of the literature considered. This might have a negative impact on the overall result that is generated considering various systematic literature reviews that are related to the research topic. Conducting qualitative research involves significant credibility that ensures a detailed working of the entire activities and beings about validity to all the information that are taken for this research topic. 

Different causes of unemployment and the working conditions often create relevant situations for an individual to face as job loss and problems in the workplace environment might create significant problems in dealing with their mental health condition. Reviewing the literature has brought about limitations as lesser information about various causes of employment and different working conditions around the world is seen to be observed, which has affected the overall analysis of the systematic literature reviews considered for this research topic. 

5.5. Recommendations

The entire research process has involved a significant understanding of important areas that are directly connected to the research topic and has highlighted some of the important factors that are directly connected to the understanding and association of job loss and the onset of depression in the case of a European setting. Some important recommendations are highlighted that might be beneficial to improve the research process and understand more about the research topic. 
1.    Significant focus is needed to be provided on gathering knowledge that is directly connected to the recent economic recession observed in the case of the urban European setting. Understanding more about the recent economic condition can bring about relevant information and knowledge focusing on better data analysis of the considered literature. 
2.    Taking an interview as one of the data collection methods to understand more about the research topic can provide relevant information and provide some real-life experiences that individuals face because of job loss and their relevant impact on the overall mental health condition. Interviews considered for any research process try to highlight some of the important and in-depth information that is directly connected to the research topic (Tavory, 2020). Interview considered for this research can ensure a real time information from the participants about their respective experience and different activities that are often considered by the organisation to deal with such scenarios that are favourable for the employees. 
3.    The involvement of significant content analysis can be beneficial to understand more about different elements that are directly connected to the job loss scenario of the European setting, which is initiating depression among the population. Content analysis provides significant information and in-depth knowledge about important areas that are directly connected to the research topic from the data collected by the researchers (Kyngäs, 2020). This is going to be beneficial for this research as it will provide significant information about the financial burden that people often face that initiate problem attic situations leading to mental health issues. 

5.6. Opportunities for the future research

Different limitations that are highlighted bring about a significant understanding of various opportunities that this research topic might provide, which will focus on initiating a better understanding of the recent cases of job loss and depression that are observed among individuals.

The impact of relevant reemployment can be one of the important opportunities for the future research process of this research topic. Significant investigation on the influence of relevant reemployment on the overall mental health condition of an individual can provide a relevant understanding of the different impacts on individual mindset and their respective financial condition (Lichter and Schiprowski, 2021).

This can be one of the important future research scopes assessing the quality of reemployment and the speed of reemployment can play a crucial role in preventing the overall depression that is observed among individuals.

Understanding different types of jobs that are present for individuals can bring about a significant understanding of the job loss scenario present in the European context and focus on the number of depression cases observed in the particular area. It can focus on understanding various skills and preferences of the employers and the employees that will highlight the impact of overall reemployment observed for the case of European setting in the urban area.

Giving special focus on the skills of the employees by the employers often creates some pressure that further creates some problems that are related to the mental health condition of an individual. Another important scope for this literature can be the relevant impact of joblessness on the mental health condition of individuals, which leads to depression.

This brings about a significant understanding of the comprehensive understanding of various temporal relationships that are established between the job loss of an individual and the initiation of depression among the larger population.

These can be some of the important scope for further research process that this research has highlighted and can further focus on understanding more about important reemployment activities and the significant relationship that is established between job loss and the onset of depression specifically among individuals in the European context. 

5.7. Presenting additional implications of the research

The relevant implications that can be observed provides a scope for the audience to understand the benefits that the research is making to the society. Understanding more about the research topic and ensuring a significant understanding about the areas of the research plays a crucial role in dealing with the activities of the research process.

Understanding the significant elements associated with employment practices and policies focuses on providing important areas that are significantly related to job loss and understanding the overall mental health condition of employees (Liu-Farrer and Shire, 2021). The research has tried to highlight different employment practices and policies along with various workplace strategies that have the potential to initiate different mental health consequences and often create several situations that lead to job loss.

The research has also highlighted individual well-being, which is significantly associated with job loss and depression following significant support for individuals with the psychological impact of the unemployment situation. The research has also focused on understanding public Health planning that has been initiated by the European government to understand different mental health applications that are associated with job loss scenarios. It further highlights the overall economic condition of the European context and addresses various elements like unemployment and different mental health services that are also initiated by the government specifically for the case of financial burden and job loss for individuals to a large extent. 

5.8. Conclusion

The chapter has focused on providing significant discussion about the important systematic literature review that is considered that is directly connected to the research topic. The chapter has provided information about the key findings associated with some of the academic literature focusing on some of the important recommendations that are initiated specifically from the limitations. Understanding the impact of reemployment can be one of the important scopes for future research that is initiated from this research topic. 

Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations

6.1 Synopsis of main findings

The study on unemployment and mental health in Europe depicts a complicated and varying picture that needs a deep understanding. This study looks at the complicated link between recent unemployment and depression in Europe. A thorough study reveals deep connections and the various points of view of those affected. Unemployment has a big effect on mental health, showing how taxing it is on the emotions and what causes worry.

The study also sheds light on ways people deal with unemployment and gives ideas for how to assist. As a whole, the study shows exactly how complex the link is between losing a job and depression in Europe. The European Mental Health Research Consortium along with additional studies has found that people who possess no jobs are more likely to show signs of depression than people who perform (Witteveen and Velthorst, 2020).

This result suggests that losing a job may have a broad effect on people's mental health in Europe. The following highlights the need for focused mental health interventions. Furthermore, losing a job makes it more diligently to pay the wages and the bills, which enhances the link between losing a job and depression. High living costs make it hard for unemployed people in cities across Europe to make ends meet.

Uncertainty about the economy right now makes people worried and makes it harder for them to get services that might help them deal with the mental effects of unemployment (Lebel et al. 2020). When looking at how socioeconomic factors affect mental health, money issues are very significant. It seems essential to have a comprehensive plan that considers both the immediate and long-term effects on mental health. Moreover, further explanations are that living in a city has significant consequences for mental well-being and loss of position.

Due to the fast and growing population, the rise of unemployment is at a rise and perhaps resulted in the difficulties in dealing with situations, and the need for social support. Urban people in Europe may have trouble with unemployment because employment opportunities are hard and move quickly. Personalised therapy needs to take into account things like stress and a lack of social support in cities.

A study found that demographic factors additionally influence the mental effects of unemployment. People with less education and no job are more unemployed. The European Social Survey found that losing a job has different effects on people's mental health based on their age and level of schooling. The Gasparro et al. (2020) study puts a lot of stress on personalised treatment. To make solutions that help poor communities and fairly share mental health resources, one needs to understand how ethnic differences affect people.

Lack of social support and feeling more vulnerable make the connection between losing a job and mental health even stronger. Psychological distress arises from concerns about the judgements of others and a sense of diminished self-worth due to a perceived lack of productivity. Moreover, educating and raising knowledge about job loss and mental health issues can help reduce the embarrassment that surrounds them, making it easier for people who are going through them to get social support.

On the other hand, Daly et al., (2021) stated that the longitudinal studies of mental health before and after unemployment might help to figure out what this link is in the position. For people to get good care, they need to know if their mental illnesses and related problems started before or after they lost employment. Human, social, and economic factors combine delicately to impact unemployment and mental health, as found in a European study.

The strong link between unemployment and depression shows how important it is to get individualised help to deal with the short- and long-term effects of losing a job. Moreover, improving mental health after losing a job requires comprehensive treatments that take into account things like poverty, moving to a new city, demographic risks, and social biases. More research, especially continuous research, will help explain this link and create policies and treatments that are based on facts.

6.2 Implication of the study in the public health sector

The findings of the research about the correlation between unemployment and mental health in Europe have significant implications for public health. In order to help unemployed people with their mental health problems, the study needs tailored treatments and solutions that take into account their personal, social, and economic situations. In schemes that help people who have lost their jobs, mental health services help with both the mental and financial effects of losing a job.

It also shows that specific actions are needed to help the groups of people who are most mentally affected by unemployment (Solomou and Constantinidou, 2020). Teenagers and people with little education need particular assistance. These people need to feel empowered and get emotional support while they look for work, in order public health programmers should cater to their specific needs.

The study stresses how important it is for the adults in the workplace to take away the unfortunate surrounding mental health and unemployment. Emphasising the connection between mental health disorders and severe life pressures, as well as its correlation with unemployment, is crucial for public health initiatives.  Likewise, the public health projects might make being unemployed less of a social stigma and create a helpful setting that makes people more likely to ask for assistance.

There are special public health problems in cities. The fast-paced lives, aggressive job markets, and lack of social support networks in metropolitan Europe make jobless worry worse. Support services should be a part of public health policy to deal with stress and social separation in cities (Giorgi et al., 2020). The study shows that it is time to need a more complete method that takes into account both the short- and long-term effects of losing a job on mental health.

It is significant to think about the long run if the individuals want to lessen the effects on society of ignored mental health problems caused by unemployment. Thereby, European public health services need to provide targeted and all-encompassing care for mental health issues tied to unemployment (Chau et al., 2021).

During times of economic instability, the public health sector can help promote mental health by making mental health support services better, personalising treatments to vulnerable groups, lowering the stigma surrounding unemployment, and taking into account how people live in cities. These efforts make people and communities more resistant to losing employment opportunities.

6.3 Skills and knowledge acquired and its application in future public health practice

My dissertation writing experience was very helpful, and I am eager to use the skills and information I gained in my future work in public health. I want to learn more about the crucial connection between being unemployed and being depressed. Reading about the complicated connections between social class and mental health has helped me to comprehend them better. I learned about the complicated link between having a job and mental health.

My research on the psychological effects of losing a job helped me understand the many problems people face when they are out of work. In my wide literature study, I looked at how unemployment affects individuals' mental and emotional health as well as their ability to pay their monetary obligations. There are social and economic issues that affect mental health that I need to know about. It helps me understand how the things that affect health are linked and how to approach public health activities.

My dissertation also helped me get better at researching and analysing things, which lets me look at things more seriously, find holes in knowledge, and add to the field. It is of the utmost significance to do a lot of research before coming up with evidence-based answers to the problems that come up with unemployment and depression. I am now better at making a study that looks into how common mental health problems are and what fundamental mechanisms and risk factors affect jobless people. The dissertation helped me get better at explaining hard ideas.

I hope to use my knowledge to explain the results, effects, and suggestions of a study in the field of public health. It is very important to turn academic studies into useful projects that lawmakers, healthcare workers, and community members can support. I hope that my better communication skills will help get the study results out there and lead to a more coordinated response to mental health problems tied to unemployment. As I move from the classroom to the field, I can see how my dissertation study is useful for public health.

There is a greater need for evidence-based mental health treatments now than ever before because of the global economic slowdown and rising unemployment caused by things like the pandemic. Using the skills, I learned in my dissertation; I am dedicated to putting in place important public health initiatives that combine mental health care with programmes that help people find work.

This all-around method knows that fixing one issue without thinking about the other will not lead to long-lasting change, thus it treats both at the same time. Moreover, the dissertation has allowed me to learn more and given me the skills I need to make a difference in public health. With these new ideas, I will also do another research on developing mitigation strategies of unemployment among adults, in order to reduce their depression from losing jobs.  
 

Top Healthcare Samples

Reference List

Journals

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