Cognitive complaints mediate the relationship of affective temperaments with presenteeism in Japan

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Presenteeism is a key issue to address in occupational mental health. A worker’s characteristics and cognitive function are important factors when considering interventions for presenteeism. However, the role of cognitive complaints (CCs) on the relationships of affective temperaments (ATs) with presenteeism remains unknown. Hence, this research aimed to assess this from the viewpoint of the mediator effect of CCs using path analysis.METHODS: Study participants (466) were assessed using the CCs in Bipolar Disorder Rating Assessment, 39-item short version of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Auto-questionnaire version, and Work Limitations Questionnaire 8 to evaluate CCs, ATs, and presenteeism, respectively. Path analyses were conducted to measure the role of CCs as a mediator in the impact of ATs on presenteeism.RESULTS: The CCs partially mediated the influence of cyclothymic and depressive temperaments on presenteeism, and fully mediated the influence of irritable and anxious temperaments on presenteeism. However, CCs had no mediating effect on the relationship between hyperthymic temperament and presenteeism.CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested mediator roles for CCs in the relationships of ATs with presenteeism in Japan. To address presenteeism using individual interventions, evaluating the mediating effect of CCs varied by ATs may be useful in assessing Japanese occupational mental health.