Job-Search Behaviors During Involuntary Unemployment: A Social Cognitive Approach

Job-searching following involuntary job loss is critical. However, as lifetime employment is a defining characteristic in Japan, few empirical studies have examined job-search behaviors after involuntary job loss. To fill this gap in the literature, a survey of 400 unemployed individuals explored the relationship between job-search behaviors and life satisfaction, including investigating self-efficacy, support, work volition, and dispositional optimism. Path analyses found that life satisfaction was predicted by optimism, job-search self-efficacy, and work volition, while job-search behaviors were facilitated by support and self-efficacy. No significant associations were found between job-search behaviors and life satisfaction. Results suggest that job-search interventions attempting to improve an individual’s optimism, feelings that the job search will be successful, and perceived support can facilitate job-search behaviors.