Citation

Encrenaz G, Laberon S, Lagabrielle C, Debruyne G, Pouyaud J, Rascle N. Int. J. Occup. Safety Ergonomics 2019; 25(3): 485-494.

Affiliation

d Bordeaux Research Centre for Population Health , INSERM, University of Bordeaux , Bordeaux Cedex , France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10803548.2018.1452457

PMID

29557281

Abstract

PURPOSE: The relationship between enterprise size and psychosocial working conditions has received little attention so far but some findings suggest that they are more favorable in small enterprises. This could have a positive impact on workers' mental health. The objective of this study was to test the mediating effect of perceived working conditions in the relationship between enterprise size and anxious or depressive episodes.

METHODS: Data from the 2010 SUMER French periodical cross-sectional survey was analyzed (N=31 420 for the present study). Anxious or depressive episodes were measured with the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD) and perceived working conditions were psychological demand, decision latitude and social support as assessed with Karasek's job content questionnaire (JCQ). The indirect effect was tested according to the method proposed by Preacher and Hayes (2008).

RESULTS: In a multivariate logistic regression, the risk of anxious or depressive episodes was found to be lower in micro-enterprises (2-9 employees). Formal tests pointed to a significant indirect effect of enterprise size on mental health through perceived working conditions, with a larger effect for psychological demand.

CONCLUSION This study highlights perceived working conditions as an explanation of the effects of enterprise size.

Language: en

Keywords

Cross-sectional studies; Mental health; Occupational health; Private enterprises; Psychological stress; Psychosocial factors