Path analysis of work conditions and work–family spillover as modifiable workplace factors associated with depressive symptomatology

Abstract

AbstractBackground: Literature pertaining to the relationship between workplace factors and depression has been compartmentalized: work conditions, family conditions, and work–family balance have been studied separately as predictors of depressive symptoms but not concurrently.Objective: Work conditions and work–family spillover were considered concurrently as modifiable workplace factors associated with depressive symptomatology, while controlling for confounding socio‐economic factors.Methods: This cross‐sectional study involved 218 female health care workers who completed a survey assessing work conditions [Effort–Reward Imbalance (ERI) scale and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ)], work–family balance (work–family spillover scale), sociodemographic information, and depressive symptoms [Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES‐D) scale].Results: Path analysis supported the presence of a direct relationship between depressive symptoms and high effort–reward imbalance, high negative work–family spillover, low positive family‐to‐work spillover, and low education. The indirect effect of low support from work was mediated by negative work‐to‐family spillover and high effort–reward imbalance. The indirect effect of high effort–reward imbalance was mediated by increased negative work‐to‐family spillover. The indirect effect of having children 18 years or younger was mediated by decreased positive family‐to‐work spillover. An indirect effect of low education was mediated by high effort–reward imbalance and high negative work‐to‐family spillover.Conclusions: The association between work conditions and depressive symptomatology is mediated by increased negative work‐to‐family spillover. The impact of having young children is mediated by decreased positive family‐to‐work spillover. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.