2022 Volume 15 Issue 2 Pages 95-104
In the current study, we investigated the effect of prolonged exposure to various work-related adverse events on workers’ mental health. Thirty-six events were selected as targeted events from the list of national occupational compensation insurance of Japan.
A web-based follow-up study was conducted on Japanese workers. All participants provided their demographic data and personal experience on 36 events in the past year. Their occupational stress was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire on occupational stress widely used in the Japanese Stress Check Program. Data from 3,071 participants were finally analyzed. Logistic regression analysis with high stress judged by the Japanese Stress Check Program as outcome and experience patterns regarding long-term exposure to each event as the independent variable were conducted.
The concentration of work to a person and great variability in job-demand showed a high relationship between occupational stress especially when one has continuously been exposed to it. Human relations and excessive workload were also found related to workers’ stress; however, their effects of continuous exposure did not reach statistical significance. Our study found the work-related events that may show a greater negative effect when exposed for a longer period, and events that require quick intervention. These findings are expected to lead to appropriate labor management in the future.
