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Based on a sample of 257 unemployed people, this study aimed at investigating the moderating role of the duration of unemployment on the relationship between the perception of the labour market as impermeable and personal self-esteem. Although many studies indicate that the perception of the labour market as impermeable – which means poor opportunities for obtaining a job in the future – is damaging for personal self-esteem, we have little information about the role played by the duration of unemployment in this relationship. Contrary to our predictions, results showed that the perceived impermeability of the labour market was negatively related to personal self-esteem for the short-term unemployed but not for the long-term unemployed. Results are discussed in the light of psychological disengagement processes.