--- title: "Job Loss and Career Uncertainty Tied to Psychological Distress" url: https://newscentral.site/job-loss-and-career-uncertainty-tied-to-psychological-distress/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Science" published: 2026-10-29T13:00:05.000Z updated: 2026-10-29T13:49:34.037Z id: cb71b4cb-2f8b-40e1-bc5d-5f2cda49774f source: "Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2026-10-struggling-career-psychological-intervention.html" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/job-loss-and-career-uncertainty-tied-to-psychological-distress/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Job Loss and Career Uncertainty Tied to Psychological Distress A recent study involving 164 French-speaking adults in Quebec, Canada, suggests a specific psychological intervention may improve well-being and reduce distress related to job loss and career uncertainty. Job loss and career uncertainty can have a profound impact on individuals beyond the workplace. A recent study suggests that a specific psychological intervention may offer relief from these challenges by improving well-being and reducing distress. The research involved 164 French-speaking adults in Quebec, Canada, who were struggling with work-related issues. This group consisted mainly of highly educated women, with an average age of 42. The majority were dealing with career transitions, burnout symptoms, or dissatisfaction at work, while others were facing difficulties in finding employment or making career decisions. A significant proportion of participants held undergraduate and graduate degrees, highlighting the fact that career uncertainty can affect individuals from various professional backgrounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychological intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The ACT-based group intervention was designed to help participants become more psychologically flexible and better equipped to navigate difficult thoughts and feelings while pursuing their goals. According to senior author Simon Grégoire, Ph.D., the researchers expected this approach to reduce individuals' tendency to avoid or struggle against challenging experiences. This study's findings were published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology, providing valuable insights into the potential benefits of ACT-based interventions for individuals facing work-related challenges. Research has shown that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be beneficial in workplace settings, but its effects on individuals with less stable work arrangements have not been extensively studied. Many participants in this study had uncertain employment situations, with some holding permanent jobs while others were temporarily employed, self-employed or unemployed. According to the researchers, workers in precarious positions are often overlooked despite their growing numbers and potentially more challenging working conditions that may increase stress levels. The study's aim was multifaceted: not only did it seek to address work-related challenges such as burnout but also to promote participants' overall well-being and personal growth. Participants took part in online group sessions where they explored difficult emotions, identified their core values and developed plans to pursue goals that aligned with those values. The psychological intervention showed promising results for individuals struggling with their career. Participants who received the intervention reported improved psychological flexibility and well-being in their professional lives compared to those on the waitlist. These gains were sustained even after 17 weeks, roughly nine weeks after the intervention concluded. However, it's essential to note that this study was not designed to compare the effectiveness of this particular approach with other career or psychological interventions. The researchers pointed out some limitations of the study, including reliance on self-reported measures and a lack of oversight on participants' adherence to activities between sessions. Additionally, facilitators who led the intervention received training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and group facilitation, but their performance was not independently monitored. Despite significant improvements in well-being and other areas, participants who received the ACT intervention did not exhibit greater career engagement compared to those on the waitlist. Instead, it seems that this approach may help individuals re-evaluate the role of work within a broader context of personal meaning and fulfillment. The psychological intervention known as ACT has shown promise in helping individuals struggling with their careers to re-evaluate their priorities and values. By using a mindfulness-based approach, participants are encouraged to explore what truly matters to them, rather than focusing solely on their job or career goals. This clarity often reveals that work is no longer aligned with personal values, leading some to seek fulfillment elsewhere. In fact, some individuals may find meaning in activities outside of work, such as hobbies, volunteering, or spending time with loved ones. The intervention's facilitator and participant manuals are publicly available through the Open Science Framework, making it accessible to career counselors and psychologists without licensing costs. This openness allows professionals to implement the intervention with ease, potentially reaching a wider audience in need of support. Ultimately, this psychological approach may help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place within the broader context of personal meaning and fulfillment, leading to more informed and satisfying life choices. --- Source: [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-10-struggling-career-psychological-intervention.html) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/job-loss-and-career-uncertainty-tied-to-psychological-distress/