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International Journal of Public Health

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01-12-2014 | Original Article

Are effort–reward imbalance and social isolation mediating the association between education and depressiveness? Baseline findings from the lidA^§-study

Authors: Jean-Baptist du Prel, Mario Iskenius, Richard Peter

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 6/2014

Abstract

Objectives

To investigate multiple mediations of the association between education and depressive symptoms (BDI-V) by work-related stress (ERI) and social isolation, the regional variation of the first mediation and a potential moderating effect of regional unemployment rate.

Methods

6339 employees born in 1959 and 1965 were randomly recruited from 222 sample points in a German cohort study on work, age, health and work participation. A multilevel model of moderated lower-level mediation was used to investigate the confirmatory research question. Multiple mediations were tested corresponding to Baron and Kenny. These analyses were stratified for age and adjusted for sex, negative affectivity and overcommitment.

Results

In the association between education and depressive symptoms, indirect effects of work-related stress and social isolation were significant in both age cohorts whereas a direct association was observable in the younger cohort, only. The significant regional variation in the association between work-related stress and depressive symptoms was not statistically explained by regional unemployment rate.

Conclusions

Our findings point out that work-related stress and social isolation play an intermediary role between education and depressive symptoms in middle-aged employees.

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Title: Are effort–reward imbalance and social isolation mediating the association between education and depressiveness? Baseline findings from the lidA§-study
Authors: Jean-Baptist du Prel
Mario Iskenius
Richard Peter
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: Springer Basel
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-014-0613-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Are effort–reward imbalance and social isolation mediating the association between education and depressiveness? Baseline findings from the lidA^§-study

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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