Part-Time Jobs, Mental Health, and Earning University Credit

Abstract

  The present study examined associations among working a part-time job, students' mental health, and earning university credit. Study 1 investigated relation between having a part-time job and depression. Undergraduates (N=284) completed questionnaires. Decision-tree analysis revealed that interpersonal stress in the workplace, such as trouble with a supervisor or lack of support resources, was associated with a higher risk of depression, compared to stress associated with working at night. Study 2 investigated the relation between having a part-time job and credits earned at university. Undergraduates (N=324) completed questionnaires. Decision tree analysis revealed that being absent from classes due to working a part-time job and working during the term-end examination period were associated with a high risk of failure to obtain university credit. These results suggest that (a) a higher mental workload may lead to failure to obtain university credit because of depression, and (b) short sleep duration associated with working at night and consequent accumulation of fatigue may lead to failure to obtain credit because of poor attendance at lectures.