Non-Work-Related Personal Events Contribute to Depressive Symptoms in Japanese Discretionary Workers

Abstract

In Japan, the number of workers with depressive symptoms has increased recently, and long working hours are considered one of the main contributing factors. Currently, the number of workers engaging in discretionary work is small but is expected to increase, as a diverse method of employment is believed to contribute to workers' well-being. However, the factors related to discretionary workers' depressive symptoms are unclear. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with depressive symptoms in discretionary workers. The subjects were 240 male discretionary workers in a Japanese insurance company. A cross-sectional study was performed using a questionnaire that includes demographic characteristics, living and working conditions, work-related and non-work-related stressful events, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Depressive symptoms were assessed as more than 16 points on the CES-D. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to estimate odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of depressive symptoms in relation to possible factors. Thirty-six subjects (15.5%) showed depressive symptoms. The depressive symptoms were significantly related to age (p = 0.04), presence of child(ren) (p = 0.02), and length of employment (p = 0.01), but unrelated to working hours. Subjects who reported "financial matters" (OR = 4.50, 95% CI = 1.89-10.72) and "own event" such as divorce or illness (OR = 2.93, 95% CI = 1.13-7.61) were more likely to show depressive symptoms. In conclusion, mental health measures for discretionary workers should focus on addressing financial difficulties and consultations and assistance in personal health and family issues.

Associations between psychological distress and the most concerning present personal problems among working-age men in Japan

“…Financial difficulties were frequently listed as problems of most concern in the current study, followed by working conditions. This result is somewhat expected as financial difficulties have often been suggested as a risk factor in psychological distress during other studies [ 5 , 7 , 29 ]. In the current investigation, the presence of financial difficulties was based on each participant’s self-perception, rather than a quantitative assessment of income or indebtedness.…”

“…Divorce, a generally negative outcome of marriage, is a major factor that affects the mental health of Japanese men, even increasing their risk of suicide [ 5 , 6 ]. Statistics on the reasons for divorce in Japan indicate that the most common reason is mismatch of characteristics (64% for male and 44% for female), followed by domestic violence, and psychological conflicts between wives and husbands [ 23 ].…”

“…One’s own diseases are often recognized as risk factors for mental distress or as somatic manifestations of depression [ 5 , 28 ]. A variety of diseases have been suggested which may result in presenteeism and absenteeism among individuals of working age [ 8 ], including chronic pain, mental disorders, and other life-threatening diseases, such as cancer.…”

“…Relatively few studies have examined the variety of personal issues that affect psychological distress among Japanese workers, especially those which have been adjusted for work-related factors [ 4 ]. Ogami and colleagues [ 5 ], for example, found that financial matters, divorce, and illness were associated with depressive symptoms among Japanese discretionary workers who are working under the premise of the deemed working hours system. Other studies have further described how unemployment, low income, and divorce are associated with mental distress, and even with suicide, among Japanese adults, especially men [ 6 , 7 ].…”

A longitudinal study of heavy time investment in work

“…dismissal from work, illness or a serious accident), to level of time investment in work over the years. Previous research has shown that life events exert an effect on subjective well-being (Luhmann et al, 2012), stress (Bono et al, 2013;Sarason et al, 1978) and affective states (Mignonac and Herrbach, 2004;Ogami et al, 2013). Note, however, that like change in financial needs, certain work/nonwork events are deemed to bring about a change in a specific direction (positive or negative) in time investment in work.…”