A Victimization Study of Unemployment Stigma: Profiles, Coping, and Self-Efficacy

Unemployed people face significant stigmatization, which leads them to experience, anticipate, and internalize their stigma and to use a range of strategies to cope with it. Despite its importance, the extent of this stigma remains largely unknown. Therefore, we conduct a victimization study and quantify the extent of unemployment stigma and its relationship to self-efficacy using survey data from a representative sample of 2,098 jobseekers. Study 1a finds high levels of acute, daily, and anticipated stigmatization and low levels of stigma internalization, with avoidance being a common behavioral strategy. Study 1b uses k-means clustering and uncovers three distinct profiles of stigma exposure that vary by age, family situation, and receipt of social benefits. Study 1c shows that these profiles predict differences in self-efficacy, independent of key demographic factors. The findings highlight the vulnerability of younger, single, welfare recipients who are most at risk for stigma and low self-efficacy.