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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-08-2011 | Original Article

Subjective underchallenge at work and its impact on mental health

Authors: Anja Lehmann, Silke Burkert, Isolde Daig, Heide Glaesmer, Elmar Brähler

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 6/2011

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the relation between subjective underchallenge at work and the degree of depressiveness and life satisfaction.

Methods

A representative sample of the German general population of N = 1,178 (52.5% men; age: M = 40.4 years, SD = 11.3) was included in this study. Measurements contain Satisfaction with Life Scalè (SWLS) and the Patient Health Questionnairè (PHQ-D). To assess subjective underchallenge at work, a ten-item scale was developed for the purpose of this study. The association between subjective underchallenge at work, life satisfaction and depressiveness was examined by means of path analyses.

Results

A significant positive association was found between subjective underchallenge at work and depressiveness, mediated by life satisfaction. This association was not moderated by income but by level of education. Participants with a medium educational level displayed a weaker association than participants with either a high or a low educational level.

Conclusion

Not only work overload but also feeling underchallenged at work can have a negative impact on mental health and well-being. This is not an issue for blue-collar workers only and deserves more attention in future research.

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Title: Subjective underchallenge at work and its impact on mental health
Authors: Anja Lehmann
Silke Burkert
Isolde Daig
Heide Glaesmer
Elmar Brähler
Publication date: 01-08-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 6/2011
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0628-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Subjective underchallenge at work and its impact on mental health

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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