This study investigates affective experience as a function of unemployment duration in South
Africa. The study contrasts two models. The stress reaction model proposes a linear decrease
of affective experience as unemployment prolongs. The adaptation model assumes a curvilinear
pattern between affective experience and unemployment duration. Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
with contrast revealed no differences in affective experience between short-term (N = 101), longterm
(N = 152) and very long-term (N = 119) unemployed. The findings do not favour either
of the models, yet indicate that unemployment is a severe stressor regardless of its duration.
These results underline the need for structural changes (e.g. delivering unemployment benefits,
stimulating job creation) in order to overcome the negative affective experiences of the South
African unemployed.