Mind Games: The Psychological Fallout of Sudden Job Loss and Survivor Syndrome in Academia

Financial strain often results in mass layoffs, impacting both displaced employees ("victims") and retained staff ("survivors"). As this phenomenon has become increasingly relevant in academia, a recent large-scale downsizing at a small liberal arts university provided an opportunity for real-time study. This project examined mental health outcomes among survivors, victims, and a control group unaffected by layoffs. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the DASS, while substance use and sleep quality were assessed via the ASSIST and PSQI. Mental health care-seeking behavior was also analyzed. Findings are expected to show increased distress, substance use, and reduced sleep quality among both victims and survivors. Data collection concludes March 17th, offering timely insights into layoffs’ psychological effects in academia.