The Factors Predicting Quality of Life Among Unemployed Adults: A Model Based on Salutogenic Approach

Unemployment narrows the realization of individual potential and has a negative effect on the experiences and status of an individual, thereby weakening the quality of life. We explored meaningfulness, health and work ability as predictors of quality of life among unemployed adults. A total of 30,598 persons participated in nationwide Finnish Regional Health and Well-Being Study (N = 76,000) between January 2014 and January 2015. This study used data from 1158 unemployed or laid-off persons aged 20–65. Developed path model based on the salutogenic approach fitted well to the data. Perceived meaningfulness had the most substantial effect on the quality of life. Good health associated with good work ability and they both had a significant impact on the quality of life. Meaningfulness and quality of life were better among women compared to men. The salutogenic approach is suitable for exploring the quality of life in the context of unemployment. Unemployed persons should be encouraged to engage in activities, voluntary work, for instance, that would increase their resources, enhance their quality of life, and contribute to re-employment.