Fryer and Payne (1986) offered a different explanation for why unemployment is psychologically devastating based upon a loss of discretionary control.
Their explanation is heavily tied to the loss of income associated with unemployment.
Financial problems are an outstanding worry for most unemployed people, and lack of money is one of the underlying causes of problems in maintaining relationships.
While the loss of adequate income is certain for most unemployed people, there is also uncertainty about how long the low income will persist.