Exploring the experience of unemployment and coping strategies among youth in Rundu: Implications for well-being
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Date
2025
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University of Namibia
Abstract
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
Description
A theses submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Clinical psychology
Keywords
Youth unemployment, Mental health, Well-being, Coping strategies, Rundu, Namibia, University of Namibia