Affiliations: School of Industrial Relations, University of
Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada | Institute of Public Health, University of Montreal,
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Alain Marchand, School of Industrial
Relations, University of Montreal, P.O. Box 6128, Station Centre-ville,
Montreal (Que), H3C 3J7, Canada. Tel.: +1 514 343 6111, ext. 1288; Fax: +1 514
343 5764; E-mail: alain.marchand@umontreal.ca
Abstract: Objective: The contribution of occupation and work organisation
conditions to the development of chronic psychological distress in the Canadian
workforce was examined. Participants: 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. Methods: Data had a hierarchical structure and were analysed using
multilevel logistic regression models. Results: 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). Conclusions: 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.
