Study of the Effects of Unemployment on the Psychological Wellbeing of Young Graduates in Delta State

Graduate unemployment in Nigeria is a significant source of psychological distress, with documented effects on self-esteem, purpose, and mental health among young adults transitioning from university to the labour market. This study examined the effects of unemployment on the psychological wellbeing of graduate job seekers in Asaba and Warri, Delta State, South South Nigeria. A descriptive survey was conducted among 250 university graduates aged 22 to 35 who had been unemployed for at least six months, recruited from career centres and NYSC Skill Acquisition programme venues. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale and a researcher-developed unemployment consequences questionnaire were administered. Results showed that 68.4 percent of respondents had below-average psychological wellbeing scores. Depression indicators were present in 46.0 percent, and anxiety symptoms in 51.2 percent. The strongest negative predictors of wellbeing were unemployment duration (beta = -0.44, p < 0.001), financial stress (beta = -0.41, p < 0.001), and perceived family shame (beta = -0.37, p < 0.001). Social support and structured daily routines were significant positive predictors of wellbeing despite unemployment. Counselling for unemployment-related distress had been accessed by only 8.4 percent of respondents. The study recommends career counselling integrated into NYSC programmes, community-based psychosocial support for unemployed graduates, and stigma reduction campaigns addressing graduate unemployment in Delta State. Keywords: unemployment, psychological wellbeing, graduate job seekers, Delta State, career counselling