The influence of work environment relationships on mental health of Brazilian seamstresses

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Silva, Neliane Aparecida^{a; b; 1} | Yamawaka de Almeida, Letícia^{a; 2} | Lemos de Oliveira, Jaqueline^{a; *; 3} | de Almeida, Lilian Carla^{a; 4} | Fiorati, Regina Célia^{c; 5} | Miasso, Adriana Inocenti^{a; 6} | de Souza, Jacqueline^{a; 7}

Affiliations: [a] Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil | [b] Piumhi Specialized Reference Center for Social Assistance, Brazil | [c] Occupational Therapy Department, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Jaqueline Lemos de Oliveira, 3900, Bandeirantes Ave, room 46, Zip Code: 14040-902, Ribeirão Preto - SP –Brazil. Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences Department at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Tel.: +00 55 16 3315 3422; E-mail: jaquelemos@usp.br.

Note: [1] Neliane Aparecida Silva –ORCID 0000-0001-9850-9953

Note: [2] Letícia Yamawaka de Almeida –ORCID 0000-0002-5192-6052

Note: [3] Jaqueline Lemos de Oliveira –ORCID 0000-0003-3699-0280

Note: [4] Lilian Carla de Almeida –ORCID 0000-0003-2678-2146

Note: [5] Regina Célia Fiorati –ORCID 0000-0003-3666-9809

Note: [6] Adriana Inocenti Miasso - ORCID 0000-0003-1726-7169

Note: [7] Jacqueline de Souza –ORCID 0000-0002-6094-6012

Abstract: BACKGROUND:The work environment is a place in which different kinds of interpersonal relationships are developed and can contribute positively or negatively to productivity and to workers’ well-being. Discussion on this topic may contribute to building more coping strategies to fight against gender inequality and the emotional repercussions of these conditions. OBJECTIVE:This is a cross-sectional study that investigated the possible influence of work environment relationships on the mental health of Brazilian seamstresses. METHODS:The participants were seamstresses from four clothing factories in a city in the southwest of Brazil. For data collection, we used the Social Support Perception at Work Scale; Self-Report Questionnaire; Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test; and a focus group. The quantitative data were statistically analyzed, and data from the focus groups were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS:Interpersonal relationships at work were mentioned as sources of conflict and stress but also as emotional and material social support providers. In the sample studied, these relationships did not influence directly the development of mental health disorders. CONCLUSIONS:Study results suggest that a low level of education is an important factor that increases the vulnerability of these women to the precariousness of work, and, consequently to developing mental health symptoms or aggravating previous mental health distress. However, emotional and material support from peers likely protects these workers’ mental health.

Keywords: Women, social support, mental health, occupational health, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213562

Journal: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 167-175, 2021