Problematic interpersonal relationships at work and depression: a Swedish prospective cohort study.
OBJECTIVE
Studies have shown that interpersonal relations at work are important for several health related outcomes. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether low social support, serious conflict, exclusion by superiors or by co-workers at work may be determinants of depression.


METHODS
In a representative Swedish cohort study data were obtained in two waves three years apart. 4,040 women and men who did not change their jobs between the waves were chosen for the study. Exposure and confounders were obtained at Time 1 and outcome, depression according to Bech's MDI at Time 2. Previous depression was controlled for by adjusting for depression at Time 1. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analyses.


RESULTS
Odds-ratios adjusted for possible confounders and depression at base-line showed significant effects for all four exposures on depression (adjusted OR, low social support 1.5 CI 95% 1.1-2.0, serious conflict 1.4 CI 95% 1.1-1.9, exclusion by superiors 1.6 CI 95% 1.2-2.1 and exclusion by co-workers 1.7 CI 95% 1.2-2.3).


CONCLUSIONS
The present results support the conclusion that problematic interpersonal relationships at work can be determinants of depression. These prospective findings may be of relevance for prevention and when rehabilitating depressed patients.
Stoetzer
Ulrich
U
Department of Public Health Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. ulrich.stoetzer@ki.se
Ahlberg
Gunnel
G
Johansson
Gun
G
Bergman
Peter
P
Hallsten
Lennart
L
Forsell
Yvonne
Y
Lundberg
Ingvar
I
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D013548:Sweden; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*