Risk of Job Loss During the COVID-19 Pandemic Predicts Anxiety in Women

TL;DR

Women who faced job or income loss during the pandemic experienced higher anxiety, especially those in unstable jobs or with lower income.

Contribution

This study identifies employment insecurity as a key predictor of anxiety in women during the pandemic.

Findings

Risk of job or income loss significantly predicted increased anxiety levels in women.

Women with lower education and income, or those in the private sector, were more likely to report job insecurity.

Work-related variables did not significantly affect subjective well-being despite fears of infection.

Abstract

Background and Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, women faced unique employment-related stressors, including higher exposure to unstable working conditions, increased workload changes due to motherhood, and greater risk of infection in certain jobs. This study explores how these factors influence women’s anxiety and subjective well-being, aiming to identify vulnerable groups. Materials and Methods: 230 employed Slovene women, aged from 19 to 64 years (M = 32.60, SD = 10.41), participated in an online survey containing a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6), WHO-5 Well-being Index, and a set of questions regarding their occupation and demographic profile. Hierarchical linear regressions and chi-squared tests were performed. Results: The risk of job or income loss significantly predicted an increase in anxiety levels. However, despite fear of infection, none of the work-related variables predicted a significant decrease in subjective well-being. Women reporting risk of job or income loss are predominantly those with lower education and income, working students, self-employed, or working in the private sector. Conclusions: Employment insecurity is an important contributor to anxiety in women. The findings highlight the need to ensure job security, particularly for women working in precariat working conditions, as their work and economic stability prove to be vulnerable to external economic disturbances.