2.3. Predictor Variables and Outcome Measures
All predictor variables and outcomes were measured through a questionnaire developed by the research team at the University of Kassel. During the questionnaire-based CATI, data were collected on demographic characteristics, work and unemployment history, job-search intensity, reemployment, self-efficacy expectations, life satisfaction, and physical and mental health. Demographic characteristics were assessed using standard survey questions concerning age, gender, marital status, education, occupation, and length of unemployment. The level of education was determined by asking for the highest formal school-leaving qualification and the highest vocational qualification. For the analyses, this information was combined to construct dummy variables according to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) [The outcome measure job-search-specific self-efficacy was measured using a single four-point Likert-type item. The respondents were asked “Now that you think about the future, how likely do you think it is that you will get a job again?” and were able to select one of four predefined options (1 = “very unlikely”; 2 = “somewhat unlikely”; 3 = “somewhat likely”; 4 = “very likely”). The health-related outcomes were assessed based on (1) life satisfaction with a German version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) [