Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2025
07:57
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
20.8K
Do depressive symptoms influence nonattendance at work? A semiparametric approach
Patricia Moreno-Mencia1, Ana Fernández-Sainz2, Juan M Rodríguez-Póo3
1Universidad Internacional de la Rioja, Av. La Paz, 136, Logrońo, Spain.
International Journal of Health Economics and Management
|March 4, 2025
Summary
Depression significantly increases work absenteeism, causing an average loss of 12 working days annually for affected employees. This study quantizes the impact of depressive symptoms on labor participation.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Mental Health Economics
- Labor Economics
Background:
- Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder affecting daily functioning, including work performance.
- Poor health, including depression, often necessitates time away from work due to medical needs.
- Labor absenteeism poses significant challenges for both individuals and the economy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the impact of depressive symptoms on labor absenteeism.
- To analyze other demographic and health factors influencing absenteeism.
- To develop a semiparametric structural model that avoids estimator inconsistency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized microdata from the European Health Survey in Spain.
- Employed a semiparametric structural model to analyze labor absenteeism.
- Accounted for potential sample selection and endogenous regressor issues without strong assumptions.
Main Results:
- Depressive symptoms were found to have a significant negative effect on working time, increasing absenteeism.
- Depressed workers lose an average of 12 more workdays per year compared to non-depressed individuals.
- Obesity and older age were associated with higher absenteeism, while male gender, self-employment, and non-college education correlated with lower absenteeism.
Conclusions:
- Depressive symptoms are a key determinant of increased labor absenteeism.
- Interventions addressing depression in the workforce could reduce significant economic losses.
- Factors such as age, obesity, gender, employment status, and education level also play a role in absenteeism patterns.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
27
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...
27
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
29
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
29
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
18.3K
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
18.3K
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
39
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
39
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
6.3K
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when...
6.3K
01:18Depression: Overview
206
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
206