Health effects of downsizing survival and job loss in Norway

The effects of job displacement (i.e. job loss due to downsizing or plant closure) and downsizing survival on different health outcomes (i.e. psychological distress, muscle-skeletal pain, and chest pain) were examined with annual panel data from the Norwegian Panel Survey of Living Conditions 1997–2003. The data were analyzed by means of dynamic panel data regression models, taking explicitly into account pre-downsizing health levels and unobserved heterogeneity. In contrast to some previous studies, but in line with theoretical expectations, no significant effect of downsizing survival was found. Job displacement was, however, found to lead to a significant increase in psychological distress, but even this effect seems transitory rather than long-lasting.

► Longitudinal study of the health effects of downsizing in Norway.
► Downsizing survival was not associated with deteriorating health.
► Job loss due to downsizing or mass layoffs was associated with increased distress.