Job Insecurity and Employee Psychological Well-Being in Nigerian Private Sector Organizations: A Case Study of Firms in Aba, Abia State

This study examines the relationship between job insecurity and the psychological well-being of employees in private sector organizations in Aba, Abia State, South East Nigeria. Amid Nigeria's challenging macroeconomic environment, characterized by inflation, currency devaluation, and business closures, job insecurity has emerged as a critical stressor affecting workers across sectors. A survey research design was employed, and data were gathered from 160 employees in manufacturing, trading, and service firms in the Aba Industrial Cluster. The Conservation of Resources Theory and the Job Demands-Resources Model provide the theoretical framework. Findings show a significant negative relationship between perceived job insecurity and employee psychological well-being, including elevated anxiety, reduced self-efficacy, and increased psychosomatic complaints. The study also finds that workers with limited formal education and those in temporary or casual employment are disproportionately vulnerable to the negative psychological effects of job insecurity. Importantly, the availability of social support from supervisors and colleagues significantly moderates the insecurity-well-being relationship, suggesting the protective role of positive workplace relationships. Recommendations include the implementation of transparent communication strategies during organizational restructuring, employee assistance programs, and job security guarantees where feasible. HR practitioners, welfare officers, and policymakers will find this research relevant to addressing the growing mental health dimensions of employment instability in Nigeria's private sector. Keywords: job insecurity, psychological well-being, private sector, Aba, Abia State