The psychosocial effects of unemployment on young graduate individuals, its implications for the future, and the perceived social support as a protective factor

Youth unemployment is one of the most fundamental social policy areas in every region of the world. Numerous studies in the literature have shown that youth unemployment is not just a social problem, but also brings with it many psychosocial issues. This study attempts to create a projection for youth unemployment in Turkey and aims to determine the psychosocial consequences of youth unemployment on young people. Furthermore, the causes of youth unemployment have been identified to better understand the subject. In the research process, designed as a mixed-method study, Ankara was determined as the universe of the research. In the quantitative section, a sample of 391 people was studied using the Short Form of DAS-21 Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Perceived Social Support Scale. In the qualitative section, in-depth interviews were conducted with 46 unemployed young people, and the data collection process was completed. As a result of the research, it was found that the main reasons for the unemployment of young people in Ankara were inadequate guidance during the university selection process, choosing a university department without considering employment opportunities, failing to develop themselves during their undergraduate education, and the fact that undergraduate education is carried out in crowded and theoretical classrooms, as well as living in a small town. On the other hand, it was discovered that depression, anxiety, stress, and hopelessness levels were generally high among young unemployed people, and the negative emotional state caused by unemployment decreased with the perceived social support. The length of unemployment had a significant positive correlation with psychosocial problems, while low socioeconomic conditions increased the negative effects of the unemployment experience. This study differentiates itself from other studies in the literature by considering youth unemployment from a social work perspective and includes a systemic evaluation of the above findings from a social policy perspective. Accordingly, the main social policy recommendations include increasing the practical adaptation of the curriculum to real life during the undergraduate education process, effectively incorporating foreign language and computer learning into the education process, increasing internship opportunities, maintaining social opportunities after graduation, and planning employment in line with graduation numbers and weights.