Work-related stressors, depression and quality of life in Danish managers.
BACKGROUND
By use of valid questionnaires to investigate work-related stress and distress in Danish managers.


METHODS
The survey focused on members of the Danish Association of Managers and Executives who no longer were active (former managers' group). Acting managers (active managers' group) served as controls. Questionnaires measuring stressors at work and general life events were used. For the measurement of distress, scales for depression and quality of life were used.


RESULTS
The Mokken analysis proved the validity of the questionnaires, i.e. their summed-up total scores were sufficient statistics. No differences were found between former (n = 1,256) and active managers (n = 942) as to life events. Approximately 20% of former managers were at risk of depression and 12% had developed major depression. Among the specific work-related stressors were role overload, lack of team spirit and lack of social support. The percentage of active managers at risk of or suffering from major depression did not differ significantly from the Danish general population. Approximately 37% of the former managers had a decreased well-being. Alcohol use was found to be significantly associated with depression.


CONCLUSIONS
The study identified specific work-related stressors in managers, 12% of whom developed a major depression.
Bech
P
P
Psychiatric Research Unit, Frederiksborg General Hospital, Dyrehavevej 48, DK-3400 Hilleroed, Denmark. pebe@fa.dk
Andersen
M B
MB
Bech-Andersen
G
G
Tønnesen
S
S
Agnarsdottir
E
E
Borg
V
V
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003718:Denmark; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D010559:Personnel Management; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012917:Social Adjustment; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*