Psychosocial Working Conditions and Mental Health in Denmark
Author Information
Author(s): Joanna Wieclaw, Esben Agerbo, Preben Bo Mortensen, Hermann Burr, Finn Tüchsen, Jens Peter Bonde
Primary Institution: Aarhus University Hospital
Hypothesis
To examine the risk of depressive and anxiety disorders according to psychosocial working conditions in a large population-based sample.
Conclusion
Psychosocial work exposures related to the risk of depressive and anxiety disorders differ as between the sexes, indicating a need for rethinking study designs and causal links.
Supporting Evidence
- Low job control was associated with an increased risk of anxiety disorders in men.
- High emotional demands were related to an elevated risk of depression in women.
- High demands were associated with a decreased risk of anxiety disorders in both sexes.
Takeaway
The way people feel at work can affect their mental health, and this effect can be different for men and women.
Methodology
A population-based nested case-control study using Job Exposure Matrix to assess psychosocial working conditions among psychiatric patients and controls.
Potential Biases
Possible underestimation of risks due to systematic reporting differences between cases and controls.
Limitations
Findings are limited to severe, clinically diagnosed disorders and may not apply to milder cases; potential misclassification of psychosocial exposures.
Participant Demographics
14,166 cases and 58,060 controls, aged 18-65, with 62% women.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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