The Effects of Income and Skill Utilization on the Underemployed's Self-Esteem, Mental Health, and Life Satisfaction

초록

This longitudinal study examined the effects of underemployment on psychological well-being (i.e., self-esteem, mental health, and life satisfaction) using a sample of 99 unemployed and 153 reemployed individuals in South Korea. Underemployment was determined by wage and skill utilization. The results indicated that when underemployment was determined by wage change, the underemployed showed a more favorable mental health level and more life satisfaction than the unemployed. However, when determined by wage difference, the underemployed were similar to the unemployed. For skill utilization-based underemployment, no difference was observed between the underemployed and the unemployed. The implications for future research are discussed.

키워드