Social support and self-esteem in unemployed university graduates

Abstract

The first aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the length of time of unemployment and the self-esteem and general life satisfaction of university graduates. The second aim was to examine the function of social support during the period of unemployment. The sample consisted of 98 unemployed university graduates (67 females and 31 males). The measure of self-esteem consisted of the adapted Rosenberg scale. The instruments for assessment of general life satisfaction and social support were developed by the authors of this study. Results showed that length of unemployment, contrary to previous findings, was not related to self-esteem and general life satisfaction. Social support of the parents and the partner was associated with higher self-esteem of unemployed university graduates.