Relationships Between Coping With Interpersonal Stress in the Workplace and Depressive Symptoms Among Care Workers

This study examined the relationships between coping with interpersonal stress and depressive symptoms that care workers encounter in the workplace. Care workers frequently encounter interpersonal stress; however, to date, no study has measured specific coping strategies for dealing with interpersonal stress. In 2017, 138 care workers completed questionnaires on their perceptions of interpersonal stress in the workplace, coping with interpersonal stress, and depressive symptoms. Multiple regression analysis of the survey data revealed that coping strategies for interpersonal stress predicted depressive symptoms, even after controlling for the effects of gender, years of experience as a care worker, and perceived stress. A high level of coping, which involves not acting prematurely when handling a stressful relationship, was associated with reduced depressive symptoms (beta = -.29, p < .001). In contrast, higher scores for the coping type that attempt to actively damage, disrupt, and dissolve a stressful relationship were associated with increased depressive symptoms (beta = .46, p < .001). These results are consistent with those of previous studies involving full-time workers and hospital nurses. Based on our findings, we provide suggestions to improve the mental health of healthcare workers, such as creating a work environment that considers human relationships.