Browsing by Author "Sintango, Fransiskus M."

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    Exploring the experience of unemployment and coping strategies among youth in Rundu: Implications for well-being
    (University of Namibia, 2025) Sintango, Fransiskus M.; Gentz, Shelene
    Unemployment amongst the youth in Namibia can have detrimental effects on the quality of life of youth, on national and political peace, social stability, and economic growth. Indeed, work has been identified to be an important factor, amongst others, contributing to the meaningful living of an individual. High rates of unemployment, therefore, may be a possible psychological stressor that may increase the risk of mental disorders in the community. This study explored the experience of unemployment amongst the youth in Rundu, a town situated in a region with one of the highest youth unemployment rates, in relation to their well-being and their coping strategies. For the current study, the unemployed comprise all those above a specific age who were without work during a particular reference period, were available for paid employment or self-employment, and had taken active steps to seek paid employment or self-employment. A qualitative approach, which included a phenomenological design, was adopted. Overall, 14 participants (43 females, 57 males, with a mean age of 27.2 years old) were recruited through a purposive and snowball sampling technique and interviewed on a one-on-one basis. The study employed thematic analysis using an inductive coding process. Results revealed themes that indicate that participants experienced unemployment as distressful, leads to a lack of structure in their daily life, financial vulnerabilities, and a decay in their social relationships. Despite the negative emotions attributed to being unemployed, most participants adopted emotion-focused coping strategies and remained hopeful of employment prospects. Negative coping strategies include, self-isolation and social withdrawal, driven by a need to avoid the stigma associated with being unemployed. Fostering graduate trainee programs and approaching the unemployed in a compassionate manner is therefore necessary to avoid harming their already-threatened self-esteem