Resources
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Cognitive Behavioural Techniques
Research evidence indicates that the use of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy based intervention programmes used with the long term unemployed can increase self esteem, self efficacy, confidence and motivation, minimise negative thought processes and depressive symptoms promoting increased job search activity. This creative, innovative and cost effective psychological approach could potentially create the missing link for transition from helplessness and disillusionment to empowered social independence and unrelenting personal and societal respect.
This summary considers the multi dimensional consequences of unemployment and addresses the concept of utilizing cognitive behavioural therapy based techniques to help the hardest to place clients to re-engage and overcome perceived barriers to employment. Initially developed for use in the treatment of depression and anxiety, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is now used with a broad array of psychological and physical health challenges. Whilst unemployment may be the result of social and political structures rather than psychological processes, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is an appropriate strategy for use with the unemployed because of the high rates of depression, anxiety and loss of self efficacy as well as altered perceptions and negative behaviour patterns.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a synthesis of cognitive and behavioural therapies that focuses on the attributions or explanations that people use to explain events and aims to help people understand how they view themselves, their world and the future by assisting them in developing new ways of thinking, coping and behaving. By learning to think differently about events in their lives, the unemployed can minimise negative emotions, break through limiting beliefs and build the self efficacy, confidence and motivation which is often lacking as a result of unemployment. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can introduce them to the notion of taking responsibility for their thoughts and behaviours and help them modify their perception of work as being a valuable part of their role in society.
Research evidence suggests that the use of CBT intervention with long term unemployed results in improved self esteem, confidence and self efficacy. It reduces depressive symptoms and negative thought patterns and improves motivation and aspiration in respect of job search activity and employability.
CBT approaches are innovative and creative and can provide a psychological solution to the multi faceted challenges of unemployment and exclusion. The aims of using a CBT approach with clients is to modify negative attitudes towards work, eliminate learned helplessness, impart a sense of social and personal responsibility, build “self-esteem”, set achievable goals and improve motivation for both learning and working. An approach which is undeniably in alignment with the government’s emphasis on creating a society where gainful employment and life long learning is seen as paramount in the eradication of social exclusion and where personal and societal respect is being actively promoted.
Self-Esteem
- Our need for self-esteem by Nathaniel Branden
Of all the judgments we pass in life, none is more important than the judgment we pass on ourselves. That judgment impacts every moment and every aspect of our existence. Our self-evaluation is the basic context in which we act and react, choose our values, set our goals, meet the challenges that confront us. Our responses to events are shaped in part by whom and what we think we are—our self-esteem. (read article)
Mental Health
- Read more on the BBC website - Mental Health