What do we know about the non-work determinants of workers' mental health? A systematic review of longitudinal studies
2011

Non-Work Factors Affecting Workers' Mental Health

Sample size: 13 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Beauregard Nancy, Marchand Alain, Blanc Marie-Eve

Primary Institution: University of Montreal

Hypothesis

What is the nature of the causal association between non-work determinants and workers' mental health, once the concomitant contribution of work determinants is accounted for?

Conclusion

Non-work determinants are important for predicting workers' mental health, but more longitudinal studies are needed to understand their effects better.

Supporting Evidence

  • Seven out of thirteen studies were of relatively high methodological quality.
  • Moderate strength evidence supports a causal association between social support and workers' mental health.
  • Non-work determinants are largely underinvestigated in relation to workers' mental health.

Takeaway

This study looked at how things outside of work, like family and friends, can affect how workers feel mentally. It found that these factors matter, but we need to study them more.

Methodology

A systematic review of longitudinal studies examining both work and non-work determinants of workers' mental health.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the exclusion of clinical subjects and the reliance on studies with varying methodological quality.

Limitations

The review was limited to English and French publications and excluded grey literature, which may have led to significant omissions.

Participant Demographics

Studies included working-age adults from Europe and North America.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-439

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