Research Impact: COVID-19 transformed how, where, and whether people work. It is intuitive that working from home (WFH) and employment loss influence mental health. Here, 2,301 US adults who were employed prior to COVID-19 self-reported employment changes and aspects of mental health. Compared to unchanged employment, mental health did not differ for WFH, but was significantly worse for job loss. While considering individuals’ personal circumstances, concerns about adverse mental health effects should not preclude WFH, and demonstrate the acute mental health consequences of job loss. Tailored/sensitive interventions may help mitigate impaired mental health resulting from job loss during periods of societal stress.
McDowell CP, Herring MP, Lansing J, Brower CS, Meyer JD (2021). Associations between employment changes and mental health: US data from during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology. 12:631510. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.63150. (IF: 2.067; Q2 Multidisciplinary Psychology; R=45/138).
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