Work stress and psychological conditions: a survey study of anxiety disorders among investment banking practitioners

Abstract

BackgroundThe work stress and psychological condition of financial investment bankers is a hot issue widely concerned by society. Excessive work pressure is a major risk factor for triggering anxiety disorder episodes. Anxiety disorders are often accompanied by symptoms such as nervousness, worry, muscle tension, panic, sweating, and avoidance of work or emotional instability. In order to reduce the level of anxiety among the practitioners of this industry, the study investigated the current status of anxiety disorders among the practitioners of investment banking.Subjects and MethodsA total of 1456 investment banking practitioners in a certain area were interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Schedule-3.0 (CIDI-3.0), and anxiety disorders were diagnosed according to the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Symptom Self-assessment Scale SCL90, and Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (SAQ).ResultsThere were significant differences in the scores on HAMA, HAMD, SCL90, and SAQ among investment banking practitioners with different distributions of age, gender, years of working experience, marital status, and income level (P<0.01), and the differences in the detection rate of anxiety disorders distributed by education level were not statistically significant (P>0.05).ConclusionsThe possibility of anxiety disorders among investment banking practitioners is high, and psychological guidance and proper guidance need to be strengthened. This survey study provides a theoretical basis for the development of targeted interventions for anxiety disorders in the future.AcknowledgementNational Social Science Foundation Project (No. 10BJY106).