The Sense of Mastery as a Moderator and Mediator of the Impact of Job Insecurity on the Health of Korean Baby Boomers

Abstract

This study examines the effects of job insecurity on baby boomers’ health and the extent to which these effects are moderated and mediated by a sense of mastery. Analyses are based on data from the 2010 (Time 1; T1) and 2012 (Time 2; T2) waves of the Korean Baby Boomers Panel Study. The results show that higher levels of job insecurity at T1 and changes in the level of job insecurity from T1 to T2 are both associated with more physical symptoms at T2. A sense of mastery moderates the relationship between a change in the level of job insecurity and physical symptoms, but it does not moderate the effect of job insecurity at T1. Also, higher levels of job insecurity at T1 and changes in the level of job insecurity lead to a decrease in mastery, which in turn increases physical symptoms. The findings suggest that job insecurity is a major stressor which leads to adverse health outcomes. Moreover, the findings underscore the need to develop social policies which ensure employment stability as well as interventions to increase psychological resources.