The Effect of Work Transitions on Depression among Current and Former Welfare Recipients

Lisa M. Altenbernd, Northwestern University
Dan A. Lewis, Northwestern University

Welfare Reform has precipitated debate about the extent to which persons with mental health problems should be expected to achieve self-sufficiency through work. Should those with mental health problems be exempt from work requirements because the pressures associated with finding and retaining employment might exacerbate their condition? Alternatively, should persons be required to work because employment may alleviate mental health problems and facilitate their inclusion in American society? Two waves of data (N = 1,183) from the Illinois Families Study (IFS) are used to examine the effect of entering the workforce on subsequent depressive symptoms. Ordinary least squares regression analysis predicting depression at Wave 2 indicates that transitioning from not working at Wave 1 to working at Wave 2 is associated with a 26 percent decrease in depressive symptoms at Wave 2. This suggests that work may be protective against depression among current and former welfare recipients and that more effort should be put into moving this population into the workforce. Given the myriad of obstacles facing this group, careful consideration should be given as to how work could be facilitated. Assessment, and treatment in the form of paid, formal work, are important components of the facilitation process.