Stressors and supports across work and non-work domains: The impact on mental health and the workplace

Issue title: Occupational Concerns and Workplace Well-Health

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Kendall, Elizabeth | Muenchberger, Heidi

Affiliations: Centre for National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine and Disability and Rehabilitation Research Unit, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Elizabeth Kendall, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, QLD 4131, Australia. Tel.: +61 7 3382 1202; Fax: 61 7 3382 1414; E-mail: e.kendall@griffith.edu.au

Abstract: The main aim of this research was to investigate the impact of stressors and supports present in both work and non-work domains on occupational health. Using a multi-dimensional survey (SWS-Survey of Occupational Health), the relationships between personal and environmental stress and support was determined for a sample of stress injury claimants (n = 60) and non-claimants (n = 570). A series of regression analyses found significant differences between claimants and non-claimants for both stressors and supports. Poor mental health was best predicted by stress scales for claimants and non-claimants. However, for non-claimants, work support was found to be a significant determinant of outcome. Good mental health was best predicted by support scales for non-claimants, but only by personal support for claimants. Overall, these findings highlighted the influential role of work and personal supports in mitigating the negative impact of stress as well as promoting well-being in the workplace. Specifically, employers must recognise the impact of worker's subjective appraisal of their circumstances and focus on facilitating occupational well-being among their employees.

Keywords: Stress, presenteeism, psychological injury, social support

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0813

Journal: Work, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 27-37, 2009