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Published on: February 22, 2018
Problematic interpersonal relationships at work and depression: a Swedish prospective cohort study
Ulrich Stoetzer1, Gunnel Ahlberg, Gun Johansson
1Department of Public Health Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. ulrich.stoetzer@ki.se
Journal of Occupational Health
|February 20, 2009
Summary
Poor workplace relationships, including low social support and conflict, significantly increase the risk of developing depression. These findings highlight the importance of a healthy work environment for mental well-being.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychiatry
- Social Science
Background:
- Interpersonal relationships at work significantly influence health outcomes.
- Previous research indicates a link between workplace dynamics and employee well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if low social support, serious conflict, or exclusion by superiors/co-workers predict depression.
- To examine the role of workplace interpersonal factors as determinants of depression.
Main Methods:
- A representative Swedish cohort study with 4,040 participants over two waves, three years apart.
- Data collected on workplace exposures and depression (Bech's MDI), controlling for baseline depression.
- Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations.
Main Results:
- All four interpersonal factors (low social support, serious conflict, exclusion by superiors, exclusion by co-workers) were significant predictors of depression.
- Adjusted odds ratios indicated increased depression risk for each adverse interpersonal factor.
Conclusions:
- Problematic interpersonal relationships at work are confirmed as determinants of depression.
- These prospective findings are relevant for the prevention and rehabilitation of depression.
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