Occupation, work organisation conditions and the development of chronic psychological distress

Abstract

The contribution of occupation and work organisation conditions to the development of chronic psychological distress in the Canadian workforce was examined. Longitudinal data came from the first five cycles (Cycle 1=1994-1995, Cycle 5=2002-2003) of Statistics Canada's National Population Health Survey. A sample of 5,500 workers nested in 1,300 neighbourhoods and aged 15 to 55 years. Data had a hierarchical structure and were analysed using multilevel logistic regression models. The results showed 46.4% of workers reported one episode of psychological distress, 23.5% more than one, and 10.6% three or more. Psychological distress decreased over time and varied significantly between individuals and neighbourhoods. Occupation was not significant, but psychological demands, job insecurity, and social support in the workplace were important determinants. The results showed strong contributions of individual and outside work factors (family, social support, neighbourhood). Research in occupational mental health must expand theoretical and empirical frameworks in order to capture actual workplace dynamics and the effects on workers' mental health. Interventions designed to reduce mental health problems should carefully evaluate not only the work environment itself, but also non-work factors and other individual characteristics.