Psychological Consequences of Unemployment: A Comparative Study of Employed and Unemployed Youths in Rural Areas

Life satisfaction is considered as the highest goal of human life in each and every cultural paradigm whereas optimism leads human beings towards a bright side of life and gives a self confidence & positive mental framework. Employment plays a crucial role in life satisfaction and optimism. Present study was undertaken with the objective of to understand the level of life satisfaction and optimism among employed and unemployed youths in rural areas. Study was also planned to investigate the relationship between life satisfaction and optimism. Study was conducted at 13 villages located in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. In order to achieve the objectives, 200 participants were selected using simple random sampling. Standardized tools by Diener et.al.(1985) and Scheier & Carver (1985) were used to assess the life satisfaction and Optimism respectively. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Cross tabulations were done among relevant variables. Findings of the study reveal that employment is a key factor in life satisfaction and optimism of participants. Life satisfaction and optimism were found greater among employed youths in comparison to unemployed youths.