03/10/2007
Repeated high job strain is associated with more elevated risk of developing high levels of depression symptoms among both women and men, has shown a longitudinal study jointly carried out by the Ghent and Brussels Universities.

The survey was carried out in private companies and public administrations.  2,821 Belgian workers between the ages of 35 – 59 filled in a Job Content questionnaire based on Karasek’s Demand-Control model. According to Karasek, adverse health effects are expected when workers are exposed to high psychological demands in combination with low decision latitude.

After a follow-up of 6.6 years, 11,8% of workers (252 cases) showed signs of severe depression when exposed to high and constant pressure at work. Contrary to men, the symptoms among women were most often linked to a low decision latitude.

The authors, whose study was published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health believe that it is highly important to increase research in the area of the occupational mental health.

Source: Clays, E., et al. Job stress and depression symptoms in middle-aged workers – prospective results from the Belstress study, Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 2007 Aug; 33(4):252-9.