Depression and workaholism in undergraduates: Examining gender as a moderator

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to examine the association between depression and workaholism among university students. Methods: Participants were 182 undergraduates at a large university in the South of Poland, aged between 20–28 years old (M = 22.17, SD = 1.39), including 102 women (56%). The cross-sectional study used the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Work Addiction Risk Test (WART). Results: This study shows that depression and workaholism levels are significantly lower in Physical Education students than other faculties' students. Gender moderates the relationship between workaholism and depression. Women demonstrate a stronger association between depression and workaholism than men. Conclusions: Both physical activity and gender appear to play an essential role in mental health prevention. The result of this study should be considered in therapy and prevention programs at university campuses.

Keywords:

• Gender
• moderation analysis
• undergraduates
• university faculty
• WART