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The Relationship between Perceived Underemployment and Wellbeing: Evidence from Mid-Size Canadian Cities

Author

Listed:
  • Margo Hilbrecht

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Bryan Smale

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Steven E. Mock

    (University of Waterloo)

Abstract

This study examines the association between underemployment and quality of life, with a focus the explanatory power of community and leisure factors. Using survey data collected by the Canadian Index of Wellbeing in four mid-size communities (N = 5561), a subsample of participants was selected who indicated that they worked for pay (n = 2845). About one-fifth of workers were underemployed, based on a perceived mismatch between their job and their education and training. Guided by a modified perspective of the Leisure Constraints Model that includes intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural level constraints and/or facilitators to participation, data were analyzed using two linear regression models examining overall wellbeing and self-assessed mental health. After controlling for socio-demographic characteristics in each model, mediators were introduced and then further probed to determine significant pathways in the relationships. In both cases, the direct effect of underemployment was negative. Wellbeing among underemployed workers was partially mediated by two structural, and one interpersonal factors: time for self, perceived access to recreation and cultural opportunities, and sense of community. Mental health was fully mediated by time for self and sense of community. In a test of contrast between significant pathways, there were no differences in either model, suggesting that each of the significant leisure moderators contributed equally to the relationship between underemployment and quality of life. Community and leisure factors have been relatively unexamined to date, but results show that they should be considered for inclusion in future research on personal outcomes of underemployment.

Suggested Citation

  • Margo Hilbrecht & Bryan Smale & Steven E. Mock, 2017. "The Relationship between Perceived Underemployment and Wellbeing: Evidence from Mid-Size Canadian Cities," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 12(3), pages 607-631, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:12:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1007_s11482-016-9479-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-016-9479-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ed Diener, 2006. "Guidelines for National Indicators of Subjective Well-Being and Ill-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 7(4), pages 397-404, November.
    2. Anthony H. Winefield, 2002. "Unemployment, Underemployment, Occupational Stress and Psychological Well-Being," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 27(1_suppl), pages 137-148, June.
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    5. Dooley,David & Prause,JoAnn, 2004. "The Social Costs of Underemployment," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521810142.
    6. Siegrist, Johannes & Starke, Dagmar & Chandola, Tarani & Godin, Isabelle & Marmot, Michael & Niedhammer, Isabelle & Peter, Richard, 2004. "The measurement of effort-reward imbalance at work: European comparisons," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 58(8), pages 1483-1499, April.
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    1. Gabriel Rodríguez-Puello & Ariel Arcos & Benjamin Jara, 2022. "Would you Value a few More Hours of work? Underemployment and Subjective Well-Being Across Chilean Workers," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 17(2), pages 885-912, April.

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