The Application of Self-Theory to the Case-Management of the Young Unemployed

Abstract

Unemployment is a problem for most western countries. Young people are particularly at risk of becoming unemployed and many programmes have been developed to assist young people avoid the negative consequences of unemployment. The following thesis reviews the development and implementation of The New Zealand Possible Selves Programme (NZPSP): an intervention for the young unemployed based on the application of the theory of Possible Selves. Research related to unemployment and the self are reviewed with it noted that a primary effect of unemployment on young people is the stunting of personal growth and identity formation. The failure of many standard approaches to unemployment counselling is discussed with an argument presented that the use of more holistic approaches to counselling the young unemployed are required in the current economic environment. A paradigm is also presented to provide a framework for the evaluation of unemployment interventions in environments that are characterised as highly uncontrolled (from a research perspective) and political, such as is the case in many public employment agencies. Research related to the development of the inventory component of the New Zealand Possible Selves Programme (NZPSI) is discussed. This review begins with the identification of Possible Selves of New Zealanders, and the development of a paper-based inventory combining Possible Selves with other constructs such as self-efficacy. The development of a computerised inventory with automated graphing functionality and an accompanying counselling guide for users is also discussed. Preliminary analysis of the structural properties of the inventory is reviewed with support found for idiosyncratic rather than factorial groupings of people's Possible Selves. A study contrasting the NZPSI with another method for identifying Possible Selves is reviewed with the NZPSI found to be superior at generating Possible Selves. Neither method however was suitable as a stand-alone intervention that could operate in the absence of a programme facilitator. A final study was conducted evaluating the NZPSP as an aid to the case-management of the young unemployed at a New Zealand public employment agency. The NZPSP was found to increase vocational and general counselling among case-managers. Furthermore, well being was maintained among participants who went through the NZPSP, relative to other jobseekers, with meaningful use of time also increasing. The NZPSP showed no practical ability however to increase work ethic, or confidence of finding work. There was also no evidence that an increase in action around goal attainment, job searching, or job attainment could be attributed to the NZPSP. The results are discussed with reference to the environment in which public employment agencies operate with it noted that changes in organisational philosophy may be required for unemployment counselling to be successful within the public employment framework. The role of individual agency is also discussed with it argued that a major negative effect of unemployment for young people appears to be the undermining of agency. Thus, it is argued that, given a facilitative environment, increasing agency through a self-based intervention is likely to have a beneficial role in most programmes aimed at assisting the young unemployed.