The Prolonged COVID-19 Pandemic Has Worsened Mental Health Crisis Among 'Perceived Unemployed'

Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health Professor Yoom Yousoon's Team
Higher Levels of Resentment and Depression Indicators Compared to General Population

A survey has revealed that the mental health crisis among 'perceived unemployed' individuals has worsened during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the need for efforts to promote mental health for those exposed to economic difficulties amid the infectious disease outbreak.

Recruitment material photo. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Professor Yum Yoosoon's research team at the Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, announced on the 23rd the results of a longitudinal study on the unemployment experience, health, and well-being of perceived unemployed individuals in South Korea. The study was conducted on perceived unemployed individuals in the country, with the first survey carried out in March last year (717 participants) and the second survey in April this year (500 participants from the first survey respondents), using both web and mobile methods.

Among those classified as perceived unemployed in the first survey, 42.2% remained in the perceived unemployed status one year later. Only 38.6% had found employment, while the remaining 19.2% were classified as non-economic activity or unclassified. Regarding the outlook on the domestic job market, the score on a 5-point scale (1 being very bad to 5 being very good) decreased to 2.31 this year from 2.53 last year. Additionally, 36.2% of respondents experienced additional job loss at least once during the COVID-19 period. Among them, 40.3% reported that COVID-19 directly or indirectly influenced their job loss.

The research team further examined the mental health and well-being levels of the perceived unemployed through indicators such as ▲resentment ▲depression ▲suicidal ideation ▲life satisfaction ▲subjective health. The results showed significantly higher stress levels compared to the general population. The average resentment score this year was 1.81 (on a 5-point scale), exceeding the average score of 1.57 from a previous survey of 1,000 Gyeonggi Province residents last year. Regarding depression, 37.6% of respondents showed levels consistent with depression, higher than the general population average of 25.1%. Those who had thought about suicide accounted for 29.2% in this year's survey, and 10.8% had made plans. Life satisfaction, measured on a 10-point scale (0 being not satisfied at all to 10 being very satisfied), showed that 39.6% were 'not satisfied' (0?4 points), while 35.4% were 'satisfied' (6?10 points).

Professor Yum stated, "The persistence of perceived unemployment emerged as a common vulnerability factor alongside low education and low income in the three mental health indicators covered in this study (resentment, depression, suicidal ideation). Therefore, efforts to improve the perceived unemployment status are crucial for preventing mental health deterioration." She added, "As recovery from COVID-19 is emphasized, intensified mental health promotion efforts are urgently needed for all perceived unemployed individuals who participated in this survey."

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