Validation of the revised job seeker classification instrument among Australian unemployed

The Revised Job Seeker Classification Instrument (JSCI-R) was introduced in July 2009 as part of Job Services Australia's aim to help individuals in their attempts to find work. The JSCI-R classified job seekers into one of four 'streams' based on individual circumstances and predicted long term unemployment. The purpose of this research was to establish if differences in psychological wellbeing existed between unemployed Australians in each of the four streams. Psychological wellbeing was tested with negative indicators of Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Negative affect and with positive indicators of General Self Efficacy, Satisfaction with Life, Positive Affect and Work Efficacy. Results indicate there were significant differences between the entire unemployed sample and a comparative sample (employed and student sample). Significant differences in psychological wellbeing also existed between those classified of lower risk (streams 1 and 2) and higher risk (streams 3 and 4) of long term unemployment.