Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
09:37
Chronic Stress Shifts Effort-Related Choice Behavior in a Y-Maze Barrier Task in Mice
Published on: August 13, 2020
Stress and depression in the employed population
1Health Statistics Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0T6. Margot.Shields@statcan.ca
Health Reports
|November 23, 2006
Summary
High stress and low coworker support are linked to depression in employed adults. Women experience more job strain and daily stress, while men with high-strain jobs and women with high personal stress face increased depression risks.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Stress is a significant public health concern impacting the employed population.
- Understanding the relationship between workplace and personal stress and depression is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe stress levels in the employed population (aged 18-75).
- To examine associations between workplace and personal stress and depression.
- To investigate the link between stress and incident depression over a two-year period.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey and the National Population Health Survey.
- Calculated stress levels by sex, age, and employment characteristics.
- Employed multivariate analyses to assess stress-depression associations, controlling for confounders.
Main Results:
- Women reported higher job strain and general day-to-day stress.
- High general stress and low coworker support were associated with depression in both sexes.
- High job strain was linked to depression in men; high personal stress and low coworker support in women.
Conclusions:
- Workplace and personal stressors significantly impact mental health, increasing depression risk.
- Specific stress factors like job strain and lack of coworker support require attention for depression prevention.
- Gender-specific stress-depression associations highlight the need for tailored mental health strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
01:23Types of Stressors
A stressor is any event, condition, or stimulus that triggers stress and causes a physical or psychological response in the body. Stressors can be categorized into three main types: catastrophes; significant life changes; and daily hassles, including social stress. Each can be detrimental to physical and mental well-being.
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
01:28Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
A social support system is a structured network of personal relationships that provides assistance to individuals facing various challenges, offering a buffer against psychological and physical stressors. This network may consist of family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, or other community members who provide resources and companionship. Social support can take many forms, including advice, emotional comfort, practical help, and companionship. Research indicates that these networks can...