Title | Job strain, depressive symptoms, and drinking behavior among older adults: results from the health and retirement study. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2011 |
Authors | Mezuk, B, Bohnert, ASB, Ratliff, SM, Zivin, K |
Journal | J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci |
Volume | 66 |
Issue | 4 |
Pagination | 426-34 |
Date Published | 2011 Jul |
ISSN Number | 1758-5368 |
Keywords | Age Factors, Aged, Alcoholism, Cohort Studies, Depressive Disorder, Female, Health Behavior, Health Surveys, Humans, Job Satisfaction, Logistic Models, Male, Middle Aged, Multivariate Analysis, Prospective Studies, Retirement, Sex Factors, Statistics as Topic, Stress, Psychological, United States |
Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between job strain and two indicators of mental health, depression and alcohol misuse, among currently employed older adults. METHOD: Data come from the 2004 and 2006 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 2,902). Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to determine the association between job strain, indicated by the imbalance of job stress and job satisfaction, with depression and alcohol misuse. RESULTS: High job strain (indicated by high job stress combined with low job satisfaction) was associated with elevated depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 2.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.99-4.45) relative to low job strain after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, labor force status, and occupation. High job stress combined with high job satisfaction (OR = 1.93) and low job stress combined with low job satisfaction (OR = 1.94) were also associated with depressive symptoms to a lesser degree. Job strain was unrelated to either moderate or heavy drinking. These associations did not vary by gender or age. DISCUSSION: Job strain is associated with elevated depressive symptoms among older workers. In contrast to results from investigations of younger workers, job strain was unrelated to alcohol misuse. These findings can inform the development and implementation of workplace health promotion programs that reflect the mental health needs of the aging workforce. |
DOI | 10.1093/geronb/gbr021 |
User Guide Notes | |
Endnote Keywords | Occupational stress/Job satisfaction/Occupational health/Alcohol use/Older people |
Endnote ID | 62582 |
Alternate Journal | J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci |
Citation Key | 7602 |
PubMed ID | 21427175 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC3166196 |
Grant List | K12 HD055881 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States U01 AG009740 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States UL1-RR031990 / RR / NCRR NIH HHS / United States |