THE (NON)IMPACT OF EARLY-LIFE JOB LOSS ON LATER-LIFE DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS - Citizenship Status and Work Ownership

Sep 29, 2026

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This study examines how involuntary, non-fault early-life job loss relates to depressive symptoms in later life among older Chinese adults. The analysis tests heterogeneity across two social dimensions: the rural/urban citizenship divide and work ownership in urban China. Using data from the 2011–2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and the 2014 Life History survey, growth curve models with inverse-probability weighting are applied. Urban citizens show higher depressive symptoms at age 50 with effects persisting into older age, while rural migrants show no significant impacts, and adverse effects arise only for public-sector job loss.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study purpose and research questions

Data sources and methods

Key findings

FAQs

What does the study investigate about job loss and mental health?

The study examines how involuntary, non-fault early-life job loss is associated with depressive symptoms in later life among older Chinese adults.

Which social factors are used to test differences in the job-loss effect?

Differences are assessed by the rural/urban citizenship divide and by work ownership (public vs. private sectors) in urban China.

What are the main results for urban citizens versus rural migrants?

Urban citizens report heightened depressive symptoms at age 50 with effects lasting into older age, while rural migrants show no significant impacts.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Aran