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Is work conducive to self-destruction?
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|January 1, 1982
Summary
This study analyzed industry, age, and stress-related mortality in the US. Findings reveal consistent patterns in deaths from suicide, homicide, and heart disease across different work settings and age groups.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Existing research links work environments and stress to mortality, but lacks systematic analysis of industry-specific patterns.
- Self-destructive behaviors and stress-related deaths are significant public health concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patterns of stress-induced mortality across different industries and age groups.
- To identify if specific work settings are associated with higher rates of stress-related deaths.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of United States' mortality statistics.
- Examination of industry, age, and mortality rates for seven stress-related causes of death.
- Statistical analysis to identify consistent patterns.
Main Results:
- A consistent pattern was observed for all seven stress-related causes of death across various industries and age demographics.
- Specific industries showed higher mortality rates for conditions like suicide, homicide, and cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusions:
- Work setting and age are significant factors in stress-related mortality patterns.
- Status integration theory may offer a framework for understanding these observed patterns.