The purpose of the present study was to explore the relation of work-related risk factors and well-being among healthcare workers and the impact on patient safety, using the Health and Work Survey (INSAT) and Mental Health Continuum - Short Form (MHC-SF). A sample of 361 Portuguese healthcare workers participated in this study. The results indicate some significant work-related risk factors: for emotional well-being, Impossible to express myself (β = -0.977), Not having recognition by superiors (β = -1.028) and Have to simulate good mood and/or empathy (β = -1.007); for social well-being, Exposed to the risk of sexual discrimination (β = -2.088), Career progress is almost impossible (β = -1.518), and Have to hide my emotions (β = -2.307); finally for psychological well-being Exposed to the risk of sexual discrimination (β = -2.153), Career progress is almost impossible (β = -1.377), and Have to simulate good mood and/or empathy (β = -3.201). The results showed high levels of well-being despite the exposure of several risk factors at workplace. Regarding the work-related risk factors, the study showed that most of the participants are exposed to several risk factors at workplace (ranging from environmental risk factors, biological to physical), although psychosocial risk factors (work relations with superiors and colleagues, employment relations, and emotional demands) are the ones that most impact on well-being.
Background Working in healthcare can entail intense emotional demands that increases susceptibility to occupational risk factors. Psychosocial risk assessment can contribute to promoting awareness of the effects of work on positive mental health.
AimsTo explore and analyse the influence of psychosocial work factors on positive mental health among psychologists.
MethodsA cross-sectional study of 339 psychologists was conducted. Two instruments were used for data collection: the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) to assess well-being and the Health and Work Survey (INSAT) to assess psychosocial work factors. Results This study identified psychosocial work factors that affect psychologists' positive mental health, namely, emotional well-being was affected by 'Need help from colleagues' (β = −1.091), 'Have no one I can trust' (β = −1.253) and 'Complex work' (β = 0.751); psychological well-being was affected by 'Intense work pace' (β = 1.151), 'Not able to participate in decisions' (β = −3.695) and 'Complex work' (β = 1.520); and social well-being was affected by 'Always changing roles and tasks' (β = −1.810) and 'Not able to participate in decisions' (β = −2.470). Conclusions Psychosocial work factors such as work organization, work relationships and emotional demands influence psychologists' positive mental health. Social support at the workplace and having challenging and autonomous work can promote mental health. It is important to develop better organizational practices to promote mental health and well-being among these professionals.
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