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Psychological stress in middle-aged and aged executives
C Morioka1, J Kinumaki, J Soda
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Japan.
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Middle-aged and older executives show higher rates of neurotic symptoms, particularly anxiety and insomnia, compared to non-executives. This study highlights the need for stress management interventions in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Neurotic symptoms and stress impact employee well-being and productivity.
- Identifying at-risk occupational groups is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of neurotic symptoms in middle-aged and older executives.
- To compare stress-related symptoms between executives and non-executives.
- To explore the utility of the General Health Questionnaire for early stress detection.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from 210 company employees using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ, 60 items).
- Comparison of GHQ scores between executives (aged 40+) and non-executive controls.
- Analysis of subordinate scales including somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, and social dysfunction.
Main Results:
- 21.9% of employees exhibited neurotic symptoms.
- Executives (18/55) had significantly higher total GHQ scores (>=17) than non-executives (9/60) (P < 0.05).
- Executives showed significantly higher scores for anxiety and insomnia (P < 0.05) and other scales compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Middle-aged and older executives are at increased risk for neurotic symptoms, especially anxiety and insomnia.
- The General Health Questionnaire is a valuable tool for early detection and management of occupational stress.
- Findings support the development of preventative stress management strategies for executives.