Exploring the Psychological impact of Unemployment Among Young Adults

Abstract

This study employed a qualitative method to explore the psychological impact of unemployment among young adults in District Abbottabad. It focused on understanding the emotional challenges faced by unemployed youth, including anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and social isolation. The research highlighted how prolonged joblessness disrupts not only financial stability but also mental health, identity formation, and interpersonal relationships. Cultural expectations and family pressures were found to intensify these psychological burdens, often leaving individuals feeling inadequate and hopeless. Through in-depth interviews, the study also examined coping mechanisms adopted by youth, such as skill-building, emotional withdrawal, and reliance on family or peer support. Findings emphasize the need for integrated support systems that address both the economic and emotional well-being of unemployed youth. By shedding light on their lived experiences, the research advocates for mental health interventions, awareness programs, and policy reforms that respond to the complex realities of youth unemployment in culturally specific contexts like Abbottabad.