Thinking beyond 'sticks' in Australian employment services: A self-determination theory perspective
Access Status
Open access
Date
2022Supervisor
Marylene Gagne
Type
Thesis
Award
PhD
Metadata
Show full item recordFaculty
Business and Law
School
School of Management and Marketing
Collection
Abstract
Taking a self-determination theory perspective, this study examined the experience of unemployed people in Australia’s mandatory employment services system. Using longitudinal quantitative data, a mediation analysis found that when the system thwarted jobseekers’ psychological need for relatedness and competence, poorer mental health outcomes were reported whereas support for relatedness predicted better mental health outcomes. Thwarting competence need was also predictive of lower job search intentions. A supplementary qualitative analysis provided additional support for these findings.