Although it is assumed that those out of work and looking for jobs are fragile, this may not be the case.

This is according to the results of a new study carried out by researchers in the US, which found people who are unemployed may be more resilient than it is thought.

Published by the American Psychological Association, it acknowledges that losing a position can be "a profoundly distressing experience", but posits the majority of those who are out of work ultimately have similar levels of satisfaction with their lives as prior to this incident.

The report may be welcome news for jobseekers, with the results based on a German Socioeconomic Panel Data study between 1984 and 2003.

Commenting on the findings, lead author Isaac Galatzer-Levy from the New York University School of Medicine stated: "This analysis suggests that people are able to cope with a job loss relatively well over time."

In related news, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has urged leaders around the world to invest in youth in order to combat rising unemployment levels of boost economic recovery.

Posted by Fiona Summers