Work Stress, Support, and Mental Health in Construction
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 136, Issue 6
Abstract
Construction professionals are subjected to a plethora of occupational demands that can have a negative effect on their psychological wellbeing. Such demands can have an adverse influence on individual and organizational performance. To investigate the nature of self and social supports and mental health among construction professionals, an exploratory study was undertaken using the Stress and Mental Health Survey. The survey was distributed to construction professionals throughout Australia and 449 responses were received. Analysis revealed that those working for a contracting organization on-site reported higher levels of poor mental health and greater work stress than consultants. Those working on-site also experienced greater levels of self-stress, whereas consultants reported higher levels of self and work support. Work support was a significant predictor of poor mental health for consultants. Good health, however, was predicted by self, situational, and work support, whereas those working for a contractor only self-support predicated good mental health. It is concluded that while supports are essential in the fostering of good mental health, the absence of these supports can have a significant impact on poor mental health.
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Acknowledgments
The writers thank those participants who contributed to this study as without their input this research could not have been undertaken. The writers would also like to thank the three anonymous reviewers and Dr. Mei-Yung Leung from the Department of Building and Construction at City University Hong Kong for her insightful and valuable comments.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 136 • Issue 6 • June 2010
Pages: 650 - 658
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Mar 3, 2009
Accepted: Oct 23, 2009
Published online: Oct 27, 2009
Published in print: Jun 2010
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