[Differntial associations between high mental and psychic demands made by work and the inability-to-work spectrum]

The associations between the psychological demands of work and frequency as well as duration of sickness absence by diagnosis are analysed according to subgroups by sex. Suitable regression techniques provide a valid assessment of the associations. The analyses reveal differential associations in two perspectives: whereas high versus low psychological demands of work are obviously associated with a lower frequency of sickness absence, concerning the duration of absence a notable reverse trend is seen. Moreover, these antipodal associations are more distinct in the subgroup of men than in women. The great number of observations in the groups of exposed and non-exposed employees as well as the detailed analysis determine the validity and the ranking of the results provided by this study.