Path analysis of work conditions and work-family spillover as modifiable workplace factors associated with depressive symptomatology

Background: Literature pertaining to the relationship between workplace factors and depression has been compartmentalized: work conditions, family conditions, and work-family balance have been studied separately as predictors of depressive symptoms but not concurrently. Objective: Work conditions and work-family spillover were considered concurrently as modifiable workplace factors associated with depressive symptomatology, while controlling for confounding socio-economic factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 218 female health care workers who completed a survey assessing work conditions [Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) scale and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ)], work-family balance (work-family spillover scale), sociodemographic information, and depressive symptoms [Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale]. Results: Path analysis supported the presence of a direct relationship between depressive symptoms and high effort-reward imbalance, high negative work-family spillover, low positive family-to-work spillover, and low education. The indirect effect of low support from work was mediated by negative work-to-family spillover and high effort-reward imbalance. The indirect effect of high effort-reward imbalance was mediated by increased negative work-to-family spillover. The indirect effect of having children 18 years or younger was mediated by decreased positive family-to-work spillover. An indirect effect of low education was mediated by high effort-reward imbalance and high negative work-to-family spillover. Conclusions: The association between work conditions and depressive symptomatology is mediated by increased negative work-to-family spillover. The impact of having young children is mediated by decreased positive family-to-work spillover. Copyright copyright 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd