J Korean Med Sci.
2018 May;33(19):e149. 10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e149.
Job-Seeking Stress, Mental Health Problems, and the Role of Perceived Social Support in University Graduates in Korea
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. hyjung@snu.ac.kr
- 2Department of Clinical Psychology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
- 3Department of Medical Education, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 4Department of Psychiatry, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 5Police Mind Health Center, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, Korea.
- 6Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 7Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- KMID: 2410531
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e149
Abstract
- BACKGROUND
Increases in unemployment and suicide in the young Korean population have recently become major social concerns in the country. The purpose of this study was to examine mental health status in young job seekers and identify sociodemographic factors related to job-seeking stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. We also explored the mediating effect of depression on the relationship between job-seeking stress and suicidal ideation and examined whether social support moderated this effect.
METHODS
In total, 124 university graduates completed the Job-Seeking Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Descriptive statistics were calculated for participants' general characteristics, and t-tests or analyses of variance, correlation analysis, simple mediation analysis, and mediated moderation analysis were performed.
RESULTS
Of the 124 participants, 39.5% and 15.3% exhibited clinical levels of depression and suicidal ideation, respectively. Sociodemographic factors (i.e., sex, academic major, educational expenses loan, and willingness to accept irregular employment) were associated with job-seeking stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. Women and graduates who were willing to accept irregular employment exhibited high levels of job-seeking stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. Job-seeking stress affected suicidal ideation via depression, and perceived social support moderated the effect of job-seeking stress on depression and the effect of depression on suicidal ideation.
CONCLUSION
The results suggest that depression management and interventions are urgently required for young job seekers, and social support should be provided to assist them both emotionally and economically.
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