How does a targeted active labour market program impact on the well-being of the unemployed? A Concept Mapping study on Barcelona “Employment in the Neighbourhoods”
Abstract Background: In 12 neighbourhoods of Barcelona (Spain), an innovative tailor-made Active Labour Market Program called “Employment in the neighbourhoods” was implemented to get people from deprived, high-unemployment neighbourhoods back to work. This study aimed to describe the effects of the program on participants’ quality of life, as well as the mechanisms underlying these effects, according to their own perception and the perception of technical staff by who are assisted. Methods: We used Concept Mapping, a mixed methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative analysis to develop a conceptual map of perceptions of program’s participants and technical staff about changes in the participants’ quality of life. Data collection occurred within the generation and structuring steps where participants brainstorm answers to the focus question, and then rate and sort the responses. To compute maps, we used Concept Systems Incorporated software which conducted two main forms of analysis, a multidimensional scaling analysis followed by hierarchical cluster analysis. Results: Study participants report several positive effects on mental health and emotional wellbeing, including self-esteem and empowerment. The mechanisms identified were strengthened social networks, skills acquisition and emotional coaching and personalized technical assistance. We also identified some negative impacts, mainly related to the labour market situation. We observed marked gender differences in the discourses of program participants. Conclusions: The results obtained have allowed us to identify different perceived effects and mechanisms by which the “Employment in the Neighbourhoods” Active Labour Market Programme can influence the quality of life of participants from the most deprived areas of Barcelona.