The Role of Work-Related Factors in the Development of Psychological Distress and Associated Mental Disorders: Differential Views of Human Resource Managers, Occupational Physicians, Primary Care Physicians and Psychotherapists in Germany

Abstract

<i>Objectives</i>: This study analyses the perceived relevance of stress-dimensions in work-settings from the differential views of Human Resource Managers (HRM), Occupational Physicians (OP), Primary Care Physicians (PCP) and Psychotherapists (PT) in Germany. <i>Methods</i>: Cross-sectional study design, using a self-report questionnaire. Descriptive measures and explorative bivariate methods were applied for group-comparisons. Results are presented as rankings of perceived importance and as polarity profiles of contrasting views. <i>Results: N</i> = 627 participants completed the questionnaires (HRM: <i>n</i> = 172; OP: <i>n</i> = 133; PCP: <i>n</i> = 136; PT: <i>n</i> = 186). The stress dimensions with the highest mean ratings across all four professions were: <i>'social relationships in the work place'</i> (<i>M</i> = 3.55, <i>SD</i> = 0.62) and <i>'superiors´ leadership style'</i> (<i>M</i> = 3.54, <i>SD</i> = 0.64). Mean ratings of perceived relevance of stress dimensions differed most between HRM and the three medical professions. <i>Conclusions</i>: The perceived importance of work-related stress-dimensions seems to be higher in the medical disciplines (OP, PCP, PT) than in the group from the management sector (HRM). However, no fundamental disagreement on the role of work-related stress-dimensions seems to hinder e.g., intensified efforts of cooperation across sectors in tackling the "stress-pandemic" and improving the (mental) health of employees.