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Work-related stressors, depression and quality of life in Danish managers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

P. Bech ,
M.B. Andersen ,
G. Bech-Andersen ,
S. Tønnesen ,
E. Agnarsdottir  and
V. Borg
P. Bech*
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Research Unit, Frederiksborg General Hospital, Dyrehavevej 48, DK-3400Hilleroed, Denmark
M.B. Andersen
Affiliation:
The Danish Association of Managers and Executives, Copenhagen, Denmark
G. Bech-Andersen
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Research Unit, Frederiksborg General Hospital, Dyrehavevej 48, DK-3400Hilleroed, Denmark
S. Tønnesen
Affiliation:
The Danish Association of Managers and Executives, Copenhagen, Denmark
E. Agnarsdottir
Affiliation:
The Danish Association of Managers and Executives, Copenhagen, Denmark
V. Borg
Affiliation:
National Institute of Occupational Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
*
*Corresponding author. Email address: pebe@fa.dk(P. Bech).
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Abstract

Background

By use of valid questionnaires to investigate work-related stress and distress in Danish managers.

Methods

The survey focused on members of the Danish Association of Managers and Executives who no longer were active (formermanagers' group). Acting managers (active managers' group) served as controls. Questionnaires measuring stressors at work and general life events were used. For the measurement of distress, scales for depression and quality of life were used.

Results

The Mokken analysis proved the validity of the questionnaires, i.e. their summed-up total scores were sufficient statistics. No differences were found between former (n = 1256) and active managers (n = 942) as to life events. Approximately 20% of former managers were at risk of depression and 12% had developed major depression. Among the specific work-related stressors were role overload, lack of team spirit and lack of social support. The percentage of active managers at risk of or suffering from major depression did not differ significantly from the Danish general population. Approximately 37% of the former managers had a decreased well-being. Alcohol use was found to be significantly associated with depression.

Conclusions

The study identified specific work-related stressors in managers, 12% of whom developed a major depression.

Keywords

Work-related stressQuality of lifeDepressionDistress
Type
Research Article
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 20 , Issue S3 , October 2005 , pp. S318 - S325
Copyright
Copyright © Elsevier SAS 2005

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