Depression and work–family conflict mediating the effects of job stress on chronic pain: a structural equation modelling approach

Abstract

Objectives. Most research studying the relationship between job stress and chronic pain has relied on physiological responses. This study aims to determine psychosocial mechanisms by which job stress can influence chronic pain in workers. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 793 workers in gas and oil platforms or petroleum refinery plants in southern Iran. Structural equation modelling was applied to evaluate direct, indirect and total effects of job stress on chronic pain in the presence of mediating variables (work–family conflict and depression). Results. Job stress (B = 0.024, β = 0.477), 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.016, 0.032], work–family conflict (B = 0.031, β = 0.446), 95% CI [0.023, 0.038], depression (B = 0.046, β = 0.224), 95% CI [0.028, 0.064] and work experience (B = 0.083, β = 0.380), 95% CI [0.065, 0.101] had significant direct effects on chronic pain. Indirect paths from job stress to chronic pain via depression (B = 0.002, β = 0.042), 95% CI [0.001, 0.003] and work–family conflict (B = 0.004, β = 0.085), 95% CI [0.003, 0.006] were significant. Conclusions. Given that depression and work–family conflict mediate the effects of job stress on pain, stress management programmes for workers might include various strategies to reduce negative thoughts as well as cognitive biases and minimize role conflicts between work and private life.

Keywords:

• chronic pain
• depression
• job stress
• work–family conflict

The authors would like to thank all workers who participated in this study. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Board of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran [IR.SUMS.REC.1396.S589]. The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences [Grant Number 14788].