Precarious Employment and Pain in Midlife

• In Event: 4266 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: 4. Disparities

Abstract

Precarious employment – work that is uncertain, unstable, and insecure – is an often chronic stressor that can undermine health and well-being. Previous studies have focused on the mental health consequences of precarious employment, but we know very little about consequences for physical health. The present study analyzes longitudinal data from adults over age 50 to examine the association between precarious employment and experiences of pain in midlife. Because of changes in precarity and health over time, I consider variation by age, year, and birth cohort. Findings suggest that exposure to precarious work is associated with higher levels of pain in midlife, and this association has strengthened over time and across birth cohorts. Understanding whether potential stressors such as precarious employment can get under the skin to shape experiences of pain is particularly important in light increases in precarious employment and pain among midlife adults.

Author

• Rachel Donnelly, University of Texas at Austin