NE North Dakota News

A recent article by Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, assistant professor of Social Work at the University of North Dakota, addresses the challenges of unemployment and ways to alleviate them. Published by The Conversation, the piece emphasizes the importance of maintaining social and professional networks during unemployment periods.

The Conversation, a nonprofit media source known for "explanatory journalism" authored by university scholars, published the article on March 27. By April 3, it was republished by 20 media outlets and generated over 22,000 reads across multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Anvari-Clark's article highlights the psychological impact of financial situations and suggests that one's perspective on declining income can have a more substantial effect on health than the actual financial change. A study from 2023, co-authored with social work scholar Theda Rose, indicated that emotional responses to income loss play a crucial role in an individual's health and well-being.

"Someone might view losing their job as a temporary setback and remain relatively calm, while another person might experience the same circumstances as a disaster, triggering intense stress that cascades into serious health problems, such as depression and substance abuse," wrote Anvari-Clark. Their research utilized data from the 2018 National Financial Capability Study of over 27,000 American adults.

Anvari-Clark noted that this economic distress could manifest physically, citing increased blood pressure and mental issues like depression and anxiety as potential consequences of financial worries.

The article also suggested coping strategies, such as reaching out to friends and loved ones, networking, volunteering, and possibly starting a side hustle. These actions could help maintain a sense of control and productivity during job searches. Anvari-Clark advised, "Whenever you lose a job, try reaching out. Your friends and loved ones can help protect your health while you move on."

For those interested in publishing through The Conversation, UND Today articles from 2022 and 2023 can offer guidance, as outlined by Tom Dennis, the UND associate director of communications. Faculty and graduate students considering authorship are encouraged to explore the benefits discussed in these articles.

Questions regarding the publication process can be directed to Tom Dennis at tom.dennis@und.edu or Adam Kurtz, the strategic communication editor, at adam.kurtz.1@UND.edu.