Skip to main content
Erschienen in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 3/2015

01.04.2015 | Original Article

Work-family conflict as a mediator in the association between work stress and depressive symptoms: cross-sectional evidence from the German lidA-cohort study

verfasst von: Jean-Baptist du Prel, Richard Peter

Erschienen in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Ausgabe 3/2015

Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhalten

Abstract

Objective

The demographic change leads to a shrinking German work force. Depressive symptoms cause many days absent at work, loss of productivity and early retirement. Therefore, pathways for prevention of depressive symptoms are important for the maintenance of global competitiveness. We investigated the role of work-family conflict (WFC) in the well-known association between work stress and depressive symptoms.

Methods

A total of 6,339 employees subject to social insurance, born in 1959 or 1965 and randomly drawn from 222 sample points in Germany participated in the first wave of the leben in der Arbeit-study. In the analysis, 5,906 study subjects working in full-time or part-time positions were included. Work stress was measured by effort–reward imbalance ratio, depressive symptoms by the applied Becks depression inventory (BDI-V) and WFC by items of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ)-scale. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for age, education, negative affectivity (PANAS), overcommitment and number of children was performed. Mediation was defined according to the criteria of Baron and Kenny.

Results

Work stress was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (BDI-V) in all full-time [ß1female = 6.61 (95 % CI 3.95–9.27); ß1male = 8.02 (95 % CI 5.94–10.09)] and female part-time employees [ß2female = 4.87 (95 % CI 2.16–7.59)]. When controlling for WFC effect, estimates became smaller in men and were even halved in women. WFC was also significantly associated with work stress and depressive symptoms: All criteria for partial mediation between work stress and depressiveness were fulfilled.

Conclusions

Prevention of WFC may help to reduce days absent at work and early retirement due to work stress-related depressive symptoms in middle-aged women and men.
Literatur
Zurück zum Zitat Allen TD, Herst DEL, Bruck CS, Sutton M (2000) Consequences associated with work-to-family conflict: a review and agenda for future research. J Occup Health Psychol 5:278–308CrossRef Allen TD, Herst DEL, Bruck CS, Sutton M (2000) Consequences associated with work-to-family conflict: a review and agenda for future research. J Occup Health Psychol 5:278–308CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Baron RM, Kenny DA (1986) The mediator- moderator variable distinction in social psychological research: conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. J Pers Soc Psychol 51:1173–1182CrossRef Baron RM, Kenny DA (1986) The mediator- moderator variable distinction in social psychological research: conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. J Pers Soc Psychol 51:1173–1182CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Bond JT, Galinsky E, Swanberg JE (1998) The national study of the changing workforce 1997. In vol. 2. Families and Work Institute, New York Bond JT, Galinsky E, Swanberg JE (1998) The national study of the changing workforce 1997. In vol. 2. Families and Work Institute, New York
Zurück zum Zitat Börsch-Supan A, Wilke CB (2009) Zur mittel- und langfristigen Entwicklung der Erwerbstätigkeit in Deutschland. ZAF 42:29–48CrossRef Börsch-Supan A, Wilke CB (2009) Zur mittel- und langfristigen Entwicklung der Erwerbstätigkeit in Deutschland. ZAF 42:29–48CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Busch MA, Maske UE, Ryl L, Schlack R, Hapke U (2013) Prävalenz von depressiver Symptomatik und diagnostizierter depression bei erwachsenen in deutschland. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 56:733–739CrossRef Busch MA, Maske UE, Ryl L, Schlack R, Hapke U (2013) Prävalenz von depressiver Symptomatik und diagnostizierter depression bei erwachsenen in deutschland. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 56:733–739CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Dong Y, Peng CYJ (2013) Principled missing data methods for researchers. SpringerPlus 2:222CrossRef Dong Y, Peng CYJ (2013) Principled missing data methods for researchers. SpringerPlus 2:222CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Dorner M, Heining J, Jacobebbinghaus P, Seth S (2010) The Sample of Integrated Labour Market Biographies. In: Schmollers Jahrbuch. Z Wirtsch Sozialwiss 130:599–608 Dorner M, Heining J, Jacobebbinghaus P, Seth S (2010) The Sample of Integrated Labour Market Biographies. In: Schmollers Jahrbuch. Z Wirtsch Sozialwiss 130:599–608
Zurück zum Zitat Doshi JA, Cen L, Polsky D (2008) Depression and retirement in late middle-aged U.S. workers. Health Serv Res 43:693–713CrossRef Doshi JA, Cen L, Polsky D (2008) Depression and retirement in late middle-aged U.S. workers. Health Serv Res 43:693–713CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Dragano N, Moebus S, Jöckel KH et al (2008) Two models of job stress and depressive symptoms. Results from a population-based study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 43:72–78CrossRef Dragano N, Moebus S, Jöckel KH et al (2008) Two models of job stress and depressive symptoms. Results from a population-based study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 43:72–78CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Emslie C, Hunt K, Macintyre S (1999) Problematizing gender, work, and health: the relationship between gender, occupational grade, working conditions, and minor morbidity in full-time bank employees. Soc Sci Med 48:33–48CrossRef Emslie C, Hunt K, Macintyre S (1999) Problematizing gender, work, and health: the relationship between gender, occupational grade, working conditions, and minor morbidity in full-time bank employees. Soc Sci Med 48:33–48CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Frone MR, Russell M, Barnes GM (1996) Work-family conflict, gender, and health-related outcomes: a study of employed parents in two community samples. J Occup Health Psychol 1:57–69CrossRef Frone MR, Russell M, Barnes GM (1996) Work-family conflict, gender, and health-related outcomes: a study of employed parents in two community samples. J Occup Health Psychol 1:57–69CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Frone MR, Yardley JK, Markel KS (1997) Developing and testing an integrative model of the work-family interface. J Vocat Behav 50:145–167CrossRef Frone MR, Yardley JK, Markel KS (1997) Developing and testing an integrative model of the work-family interface. J Vocat Behav 50:145–167CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Fuß I, Nübling M, Hasselhorn HM, Schwappach D, Rieger MA (2008) Working conditions and work-family conflict in German hospital physicians: psychosocial and organisational predictors and consequences. BMC Public Health 8:353CrossRef Fuß I, Nübling M, Hasselhorn HM, Schwappach D, Rieger MA (2008) Working conditions and work-family conflict in German hospital physicians: psychosocial and organisational predictors and consequences. BMC Public Health 8:353CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Godin I, Kittel F, Coppieters Y et al (2005) A prospective study of cumulative job stress in relation to mental health. BMC Public Health 5:67CrossRef Godin I, Kittel F, Coppieters Y et al (2005) A prospective study of cumulative job stress in relation to mental health. BMC Public Health 5:67CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Grant-Vallone EJ, Donaldson SI (2001) Consequences of work-family conflict on employee well-being over time. Work Stress 15:214–226CrossRef Grant-Vallone EJ, Donaldson SI (2001) Consequences of work-family conflict on employee well-being over time. Work Stress 15:214–226CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Hasselhorn HM, Peter R, Rauch A, Schroeder H, Swart E, Bender S, du Prel JB, Ebener M, March S, Trappmann M, Steinwede J, Mueller BH (2014) Cohort profile: the lidA cohort study—a german cohort study on work, age, health and work participation. Int J Epidemiol. doi:10.1093/ije/dyu021 Hasselhorn HM, Peter R, Rauch A, Schroeder H, Swart E, Bender S, du Prel JB, Ebener M, March S, Trappmann M, Steinwede J, Mueller BH (2014) Cohort profile: the lidA cohort study—a german cohort study on work, age, health and work participation. Int J Epidemiol. doi:10.​1093/​ije/​dyu021
Zurück zum Zitat Jacobi F, Hoyer J, Wittchen HU (2004) Seelische Gesundheit in Ost und West: analysen auf der Grundlage des Bundesgesundheitssurveys. Z Klin Psychol Psychother 33:251–260CrossRef Jacobi F, Hoyer J, Wittchen HU (2004) Seelische Gesundheit in Ost und West: analysen auf der Grundlage des Bundesgesundheitssurveys. Z Klin Psychol Psychother 33:251–260CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Kato M, Yamazaki Y (2009) An examination of factors related to work-to-family conflict among employed men and women in Japan. J Occup Health. 51:303–313CrossRef Kato M, Yamazaki Y (2009) An examination of factors related to work-to-family conflict among employed men and women in Japan. J Occup Health. 51:303–313CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Kelloway EK, Gottlieb BH, Barham L (1999) The source, nature, and direction of work and family conflict: a longitudinal investigation. J Occup Health Psychol 4:337–346CrossRef Kelloway EK, Gottlieb BH, Barham L (1999) The source, nature, and direction of work and family conflict: a longitudinal investigation. J Occup Health Psychol 4:337–346CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Kikuchi Y, Nakaya M, Ikeda M, Narita K, Takeda M, Nishi M (2010) Effort-reward imbalance and depressive state in nurses. Occup Med (Lond) 60:231–233CrossRef Kikuchi Y, Nakaya M, Ikeda M, Narita K, Takeda M, Nishi M (2010) Effort-reward imbalance and depressive state in nurses. Occup Med (Lond) 60:231–233CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Kinunnen U, Geurts S, Mauno S (2004) Work-to-family conflict and its relationship with well-being: a one year longitudinal study. J Vocat Behav 18:1–23 Kinunnen U, Geurts S, Mauno S (2004) Work-to-family conflict and its relationship with well-being: a one year longitudinal study. J Vocat Behav 18:1–23
Zurück zum Zitat Kirchmeyer C, Cohen A (1999) Different strategies for managing the work/non-work interface: a test for unique pathways to work outcomes. Work Stress 13:59–73CrossRef Kirchmeyer C, Cohen A (1999) Different strategies for managing the work/non-work interface: a test for unique pathways to work outcomes. Work Stress 13:59–73CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Koopmans PC, Roelen CAM, Groothoff JW (2008) Sickness absence due to depressive symptoms. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 81:711–719CrossRef Koopmans PC, Roelen CAM, Groothoff JW (2008) Sickness absence due to depressive symptoms. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 81:711–719CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Li XY, Guo YS, Lu WJ, Wang SJ, Chen K (2006) Association between social psychological factors and depressive symptoms among healthcare workers. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing ZaZhi 24:454–457 Li XY, Guo YS, Lu WJ, Wang SJ, Chen K (2006) Association between social psychological factors and depressive symptoms among healthcare workers. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing ZaZhi 24:454–457
Zurück zum Zitat Peeters M, de Jonge J, Janssen PP, van der Linden S (2004) Work-Home Interference, Job Stressors, and Employee Health in a Longitudinal Perspective. Int J Stress Manag 11:305–322CrossRef Peeters M, de Jonge J, Janssen PP, van der Linden S (2004) Work-Home Interference, Job Stressors, and Employee Health in a Longitudinal Perspective. Int J Stress Manag 11:305–322CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Pejtersen JH, Kristensen TS, Borg V, Bjorner JB (2010) The second version of the Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire. Scand J Public Health 38(3 suppl):8–24CrossRef Pejtersen JH, Kristensen TS, Borg V, Bjorner JB (2010) The second version of the Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire. Scand J Public Health 38(3 suppl):8–24CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Peter R, Hammarström A, Hallqvist J, Siegrist J, Theorell T (2006) Does occupational gender segregation influence the association of effort-reward imbalance with myocardial infarction in the SHEEP study? Int J Behav Med 13:34–43CrossRef Peter R, Hammarström A, Hallqvist J, Siegrist J, Theorell T (2006) Does occupational gender segregation influence the association of effort-reward imbalance with myocardial infarction in the SHEEP study? Int J Behav Med 13:34–43CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Raghunathan TE, Lepkowski JM, Hoewyk JV, Solenberger P (2001) A multivariate technique for multiply imputing missing values using a sequence of regression models. Surv Methodol 27: 85–95. Statistics Canada, Catalogue No. 12-001 Raghunathan TE, Lepkowski JM, Hoewyk JV, Solenberger P (2001) A multivariate technique for multiply imputing missing values using a sequence of regression models. Surv Methodol 27: 85–95. Statistics Canada, Catalogue No. 12-001
Zurück zum Zitat Rau R, Gebele N, Morling K, Rösler U (2010). Untersuchung arbeitsbedingter Ursachen für das Auftreten von depressiven Störungen. Abschlussbericht zum Projekt “Untersuchung arbeitsbedingter Ursachen für das Auftreten von depressiven Störungen“-Projekt F 1865. ISBN 978-3-88261-1144 Rau R, Gebele N, Morling K, Rösler U (2010). Untersuchung arbeitsbedingter Ursachen für das Auftreten von depressiven Störungen. Abschlussbericht zum Projekt “Untersuchung arbeitsbedingter Ursachen für das Auftreten von depressiven Störungen“-Projekt F 1865. ISBN 978-3-88261-1144
Zurück zum Zitat Sakata Y, Wada K, Tsutsumi A et al (2008) Effort-reward imbalance and depression in Japanese medical residents. J Occup Health 50:498–504CrossRef Sakata Y, Wada K, Tsutsumi A et al (2008) Effort-reward imbalance and depression in Japanese medical residents. J Occup Health 50:498–504CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Schmitt M, Beckmann M, Dusi D, Maes J, Schiller A, Schonauer K (2003) Messgüte des vereinfachten beck-depressions-inventars (BDI-V). Diagnostica 49:147–156CrossRef Schmitt M, Beckmann M, Dusi D, Maes J, Schiller A, Schonauer K (2003) Messgüte des vereinfachten beck-depressions-inventars (BDI-V). Diagnostica 49:147–156CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Schmitt M, Altstötter-Gleich C, Hinz A, Maes J, Brähler E (2006) Normwerte für das vereinfachte beck-depressions-inventar (BDI-V) in der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Diagnostica 52:51–59CrossRef Schmitt M, Altstötter-Gleich C, Hinz A, Maes J, Brähler E (2006) Normwerte für das vereinfachte beck-depressions-inventar (BDI-V) in der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Diagnostica 52:51–59CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Schneider A, Hommel G, Blettner M (2010) Linear regression analysis: part 14 of a series on evaluation of scientific publications. Dtsch Arztebl Int 107:776–782 Schneider A, Hommel G, Blettner M (2010) Linear regression analysis: part 14 of a series on evaluation of scientific publications. Dtsch Arztebl Int 107:776–782
Zurück zum Zitat Schröder H, Kersting A, Steinwede J (2013) Methodenbericht zur Haupterhebung lidA: leben in der Arbeit. FDZ-Methodenreport 1/2013, Nürnberg Schröder H, Kersting A, Steinwede J (2013) Methodenbericht zur Haupterhebung lidA: leben in der Arbeit. FDZ-Methodenreport 1/2013, Nürnberg
Zurück zum Zitat Schulz M, Damkröger A, Voltmer E et al (2011) Work-related behaviour and experience pattern in nurses: impact on physical and mental health. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 18:411–417CrossRef Schulz M, Damkröger A, Voltmer E et al (2011) Work-related behaviour and experience pattern in nurses: impact on physical and mental health. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 18:411–417CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Siegrist J (1996) Adverse health effects of high-effort/low- reward conditions. J Occup Health Psychol 1:27–41CrossRef Siegrist J (1996) Adverse health effects of high-effort/low- reward conditions. J Occup Health Psychol 1:27–41CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Siegrist J, Peter R (2000) The effort-reward imbalance model. In: Schnall P, Belkic K, Landsbergis P, Baker D (eds) The workplace and cardiovascular disease. Occupational Medicine, State of the Art Reviews 15:83–87 Siegrist J, Peter R (2000) The effort-reward imbalance model. In: Schnall P, Belkic K, Landsbergis P, Baker D (eds) The workplace and cardiovascular disease. Occupational Medicine, State of the Art Reviews 15:83–87
Zurück zum Zitat Siegrist J, Starke D, Chandola T et al (2004) The measurement of effort-reward imbalance at work: european comparisons. Soc Sci Med 58:1483–1499CrossRef Siegrist J, Starke D, Chandola T et al (2004) The measurement of effort-reward imbalance at work: european comparisons. Soc Sci Med 58:1483–1499CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Stansfeld SA, Fuhrer R, Shipley MJ, Marmot MG (1999) Work characteristics predict psychiatric disorder: prospective results from the Whitehall II study. Occup Environ Med 56:302–307CrossRef Stansfeld SA, Fuhrer R, Shipley MJ, Marmot MG (1999) Work characteristics predict psychiatric disorder: prospective results from the Whitehall II study. Occup Environ Med 56:302–307CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Stocke V (2004) Entstehungsbedingungen von Antwortverzerrungen durch soziale Erwünschtheit ZfS 33:303–320 Stocke V (2004) Entstehungsbedingungen von Antwortverzerrungen durch soziale Erwünschtheit ZfS 33:303–320
Zurück zum Zitat Thompson ER (2007) Development and validation of an internationally reliable short-form of the positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS). J Cross Cult Psychol 38:227–242CrossRef Thompson ER (2007) Development and validation of an internationally reliable short-form of the positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS). J Cross Cult Psychol 38:227–242CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Tsutsumi A, Kawanami S, Horie S (2012) Effort-reward imbalance and depression among private practice physicians. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 85:153–161CrossRef Tsutsumi A, Kawanami S, Horie S (2012) Effort-reward imbalance and depression among private practice physicians. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 85:153–161CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat TsutsumiA Kayaba K, Theorell T, Siegrist J (2001) Association between job stress and depression among Japanese employees threatened by job loss in a comparison between two complementary job-stress models. Scand J Work Environ Health 27:146–153CrossRef TsutsumiA Kayaba K, Theorell T, Siegrist J (2001) Association between job stress and depression among Japanese employees threatened by job loss in a comparison between two complementary job-stress models. Scand J Work Environ Health 27:146–153CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Van der Heijden BI, Demerouti E, Bakker AB, NEXT Study Group coordinated by Hans-Martin Hasselhorn (2008) Work-home interference among nurses: reciprocal relationships with job demands and health. J Adv Nurs 62:572–584CrossRef Van der Heijden BI, Demerouti E, Bakker AB, NEXT Study Group coordinated by Hans-Martin Hasselhorn (2008) Work-home interference among nurses: reciprocal relationships with job demands and health. J Adv Nurs 62:572–584CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Van Hooff ML, Geurts SA, Taris TW, Kompier MA, Dikkers JS, Houtman IL, van den Heuvel FM (2005) Disentangling the causal relationships between work-home interference and employee health. Scand J Work Environ Health 31:15–29CrossRef Van Hooff ML, Geurts SA, Taris TW, Kompier MA, Dikkers JS, Houtman IL, van den Heuvel FM (2005) Disentangling the causal relationships between work-home interference and employee health. Scand J Work Environ Health 31:15–29CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Van Veldhoven MJPM, Beijer SE (2012) Workload, work-to-family conflict, and health: gender differences and the influence of private life context. J Soc Issues 68:665–683CrossRef Van Veldhoven MJPM, Beijer SE (2012) Workload, work-to-family conflict, and health: gender differences and the influence of private life context. J Soc Issues 68:665–683CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Wang J, Patten SB, Currie S, Sareen J, Schmitz N (2012) A population-based longitudinal study on work environmental factors and the risk of major depressive disorder. Am J Epidemiol 176:52–59CrossRef Wang J, Patten SB, Currie S, Sareen J, Schmitz N (2012) A population-based longitudinal study on work environmental factors and the risk of major depressive disorder. Am J Epidemiol 176:52–59CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Watai I, Nishikido N, Murashima S (2008) Gender difference in work-family conflict among Japanese information technology engineers with preschool children. J Occup Health 50:317–327CrossRef Watai I, Nishikido N, Murashima S (2008) Gender difference in work-family conflict among Japanese information technology engineers with preschool children. J Occup Health 50:317–327CrossRef
Metadaten
Titel
Work-family conflict as a mediator in the association between work stress and depressive symptoms: cross-sectional evidence from the German lidA-cohort study
verfasst von
Jean-Baptist du Prel
Richard Peter
Publikationsdatum
01.04.2015
Verlag
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Ausgabe 3/2015
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Elektronische ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-014-0967-0

Weitere Artikel der Ausgabe 3/2015

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 3/2015 Zur Ausgabe