Gender Differences in the Indirect Effect of Psychosocial Work Environment in the Association of Precarious Employment and Chronic Stress: A Cross-Sectional Mediation Analysis

Abstract

Gender differences in the association between precarious employment and chronic stress have been found but the mechanisms underlying this relationship have not been explored. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the mediating effects of psychosocial risk factors at work (i.e., demands, control, and support) and work–life conflicts in the relationship between precarious employment and chronic stress as measured through the production of steroid hormones (both adrenal and gonadal) for men and women separately. Cross-sectional data were derived from a sample of workers from Barcelona (n = 125–255 men; 130 women). A set of 23 markers were determined from hair samples to evaluate the production of both adrenal and gonadal steroids. Decomposition analyses were applied to estimate the indirect effects of psychosocial risk factors and work–life conflict using linear regression models. Gender differences in the association between precarious employment and steroids production were confirmed. Psychosocial risk factors and work–life conflicts had indirect effects only among women (βCortisol = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04–0.32; βCortisol/Cortisone 0.19; 95% CI: 0.08–0.31; β%Cortisol 0.12; 95% CI: 0.05–0.20). Gender differences suggest that the physiological response to precarious employment could be determined by the social construction of gender identities, as well as by positions and roles in the labour market and family. Future studies should delve further into these differences to improve employment and working policies, thus mitigating gender inequalities in the labour market to prevent work-related stress.

Association between precarious employment and the onset of depressive symptoms in men and women: a 13-year longitudinal analysis in Korea (2009–2022)

“…Initially, factors such as employment insecurity, low wages and a lack of rights and protection may heighten workers' perceived insecurity, uncertainty and instability, consequently leading to psychological anxiety and stress (Bodin et al, 2020). This observation is in line with recent studies that associate PE with elevated levels of biomarkers indicative of the stress response (Julia et al, 2022;Mendez-Rivero et al, 2022). Secondly, PE can subject workers to various physical, ergonomic or psychosocial workplace hazards, all of which are significant risk factors for the development of depressive symptoms (Rivero et al, 2021).…”

“…Acknowledging previous evidence suggesting gender differences in the mental health effects of PE (Mendez-Rivero et al, 2022;Padrosa et al, 2022), analyses were conducted for the overall sample and separately for men and women. GEE models with a logit link function were employed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).…”

“…Acknowledging previous evidence suggesting gender differences in the mental health effects of PE (Mendez-Rivero et al. , 2022 ; Padrosa et al. , 2022 ), analyses were conducted for the overall sample and separately for men and women.…”

“…Regarding the mechanism linking the relationship between PE and mental health, chronic stress plays a significant role. For instance, recent studies have shown that individuals with high levels of employment precariousness experience elevated levels of stress (Julia et al, 2022;Mendez-Rivero et al, 2022), which may act as a trigger for the development of depression and anxiety. The heightened stress experienced by workers in PE may stem from the combination of demanding job roles and insufficient resources or control to manage them effectively (Bakker and Demerouti, 2007;Rivero et al, 2021).…”

“…, 2022 ; Mendez-Rivero et al. , 2022 ), which may act as a trigger for the development of depression and anxiety. The heightened stress experienced by workers in PE may stem from the combination of demanding job roles and insufficient resources or control to manage them effectively (Bakker and Demerouti, 2007 ; Rivero et al.…”