Repeated job strain and the risk of depression: longitudinal analyses from the Whitehall II study.
OBJECTIVE
We addressed whether repeated job strain and low work social support increase the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD).


METHODS
We used work characteristics from Karasek's Job Strain model, measured on 3 occasions over 10 years in a cohort of 7732 British civil servants, to predict subsequent onset of MDD with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview.


RESULTS
Repeated job strain was associated with increased risk of MDD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.48, 3.26; high job strain on 2 of 3 occasions vs none) in a fully adjusted model. Repeated low work social support was associated with MDD (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.10, 2.37; low work social support on 2 of 3 occasions vs none). Repeated job strain remained associated with MDD after adjustment for earlier psychological distress.


CONCLUSIONS
Demonstration of an increased association for repeated job strain adds to the evidence that job strain is a risk factor for depression. Recognition and alleviation of job strain through work reorganization and staff training could reduce depression in employees.
Centre for Psychiatry, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, UK. s.a.stansfeld@qmul.ac.uk
Stephen A
SA
Stansfeld
Martin J
MJ
Shipley
Jenny
J
Head
Rebecca
R
Fuhrer
D000328:Adult; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology