Abstract
This study aimed to identify relationships between the burden of overwork (levels and quality) and the mental health of architects. Relationships among the burden of overwork, work-related stress, social support, and overcommitment were also investigated. In August 2010, a self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted involving 206 employees working at an architectural design office. Architects were divided into overwork (levels and quality) "burden-present" and "burden-absent" groups. In total, 117 architects (burden-present group: 74 (63.3%), burden-absent group: 43 (36.7%)) were analyzed as the subjects. The results of chi-square tests revealed that a relatively large number of subjects in the burden-present group had moderate to severe physical symptoms (p=.005) and anxiety and insomnia (<.001) compared to the burden-absent group. The results also revealed that those who feel stress due to workplace relationships (p=.025) were likely to show a high risk of overcommitment (p=.001), which represents obsession about work. To support architects with the burden of overwork, the following interventions are needed: 1) implementation of screening for physical symptoms, insomnia, and anxiety, 2) creating a better working environment to reduce workplace stresses, and 3) modification of obsessive work patterns.
