Risk and Causative Factors of Psychological Harm Among Construction Workers: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychology
• Construction Management

Background:

• The construction industry is recognized for its high-risk physical environment, but psychological risks to workers are increasingly gaining attention.
• Mental health challenges in construction workers are a growing concern, necessitating a deeper understanding of contributing factors.
• This systematic review synthesizes existing literature on psychological risks within the construction workforce, following PRISMA guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize literature on psychological risks and their causative factors affecting construction workers.
• To identify key factors contributing to mental health issues in the construction sector.
• To inform the development of targeted interventions and policy changes to improve worker mental health.

Main Methods:

• An exhaustive literature search was conducted across major academic databases including PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar.
• Studies published between 1992 and 2022 were screened for relevance to psychological aspects of construction work.
• Systematic data extraction and analysis were performed on 68 included studies.

Main Results:

• Key psychological harm factors identified include job insecurity, long working hours, high job demands, poor work-life balance, and workplace bullying.
• A significant lack of mental health support and awareness was noted within the construction sector.
• These factors were significantly correlated with increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among construction workers.

Conclusions:

• There is an urgent need for the construction industry to acknowledge psychological hazards and their link to work conditions.
• The findings call for the implementation of supportive policies, mental health awareness programs, and accessible counseling services.
• Future longitudinal research is recommended to investigate long-term impacts and intervention effectiveness.