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Synergistic Interaction between Job Stressors and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

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  • Risto Nikunlaakso

    (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland)

  • Kaisa Reuna

    (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland)

  • Kirsikka Selander

    (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland)

  • Tuula Oksanen

    (Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland)

  • Jaana Laitinen

    (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland)

Abstract

Psychosocial job stressors increase the risk of mental health problems for the workers in health and social services (HSS). Although previous studies suggest that the accumulation of two or more stressors is detrimental to mental health, few studies have examined the synergistic interaction of accumulating job stressors. We examined survey responses from 9855 Finnish HSS workers in a cross-sectional study design from 2021. We conducted an interaction analysis of high job demands, low rewards and low workplace social capital on psychological distress, focusing on the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). Additionally, we analysed the interaction of job demands, low rewards and COVID-19 burden (extra workload and emotional load). Our analysis showed that the total RERI for the job stressors on psychological distress was considerable (6.27, 95% CI 3.14, 9.39). The total excess risk was caused by two-way interactions, especially between high demands and low rewards and by the three-way interaction of all stressors. The total RERI for job demands, low reward and COVID-19 burden (3.93, 95% CI 1.15, 6.72), however, was caused entirely by two-way interaction between high demands and low rewards. Mental health interventions tackling high demands, low rewards and low social capital are jointly needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Risto Nikunlaakso & Kaisa Reuna & Kirsikka Selander & Tuula Oksanen & Jaana Laitinen, 2022. "Synergistic Interaction between Job Stressors and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-10, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:13991-:d:955068
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tsai, Alexander C. & Burns, Bridget F.O., 2015. "Syndemics of psychosocial problems and HIV risk: A systematic review of empirical tests of the disease interaction concept," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 26-35.
    2. Hermann Burr & Grit Müller & Uwe Rose & Maren Formazin & Thomas Clausen & Anika Schulz & Hanne Berthelsen & Guy Potter & Angelo d’Errico & Anne Pohrt, 2021. "The Demand–Control Model as a Predictor of Depressive Symptoms—Interaction and Differential Subscale Effects: Prospective Analyses of 2212 German Employees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-13, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Maria Rosaria Gualano & Leonardo Villani & Walter Ricciardi, 2023. "Pandemic Preparedness among Big Energy Companies: Call to Research and Action," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-12, February.

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