Job loss and the couple experience: an exploration of coping within the marital context
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2012
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to give a rich description of the experience of involuntary job loss and unemployment from the perspectives of both members in a marital relationship. The study used an existential phenomenological research design to provide a detailed description of the participant's experiences. Through individual and couple interviews, participants reflected on their experiences and provided insight into the main elements of their coping efforts during unemployment and after effects of this experience. A common structure of the experience was developed based on the various perspectives captured during the interview process.
The displaced workers described notable stress and pressure, varied affective experiences, self-concept changes, disruption in routine and social contact, changing roles, career development challenges, spending more time with family, and pressure from others. Their partners described stress, pressure to support the family financially, varied affective experiences, and issues related to supporting their spouses. The most remarkable relationship themes included marital conflict and different financial priorities, re-evaluating the relationship, fewer positive interactions, and communication difficulties.
Both displaced workers and their partners described different coping strategies. These included social support, practical coping, distraction and escape, routine and selfcare, positive perception and hope. The couples in the study described several coping strategies such as determination to make the partnership work, intentional communication, avoiding criticism, positive interactions, and having strength in numbers. The participants noted ongoing challenges and vulnerability, new appreciations, reinforced priorities, and meaning in suffering. A discussion of the results connected the thematic analysis to the current literature and established implications for individual and couple counselling. Limitations of the study were discussed and areas for further research were suggested.
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Bibliography: p. 150-168
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Citation
Schalk, K. (2012). Job loss and the couple experience: an exploration of coping within the marital context (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/4639