Does Job Satisfaction Mediate the Relationships Between Work Environment Stressors and Employee Problem Drinking?

SUMMARY

This study tested a mediation model of work environment stressors, job satisfaction, and employee drinking status. Specifically, decreased job satisfaction was examined as a mediator by which work environment stressors may be linked to employee alcohol problems. Individual social vulnerabilities also were examined as predictors of employee problem drinking. Study data were derived from self-report mailed surveys, and study participants were union-represented administrative support and blue-collar maintenance employees of a large public urban university. Although path analysis results did not support the role of job satisfaction in linking work environment stressors to employee problem drinking, several study variables of interest were found to be associated significantly and directly with employee problem drinking status. Implications for workplace alcohol prevention are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol
• employees
• job satisfaction
• problem drinking
• work stress

The authors would like to thank the local American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union officers and membership for their participation in this study. The authors also would like to thank Michael J. Brondino for his statistical consultation, and Adam Lippert and Jennifer Hernandez–Meier for their technical and editorial assistance.

This study was based upon the lead author's doctoral dissertation, which was supported in part by the Chancellor's Golda Meir Scholarship, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lisa K. Berger

Lisa K. Berger is Assistant Professor of Social Work and Scientist in the Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research (CABHR), Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Sonya K. Sedivy

Sonya K. Sedivy is a doctoral student in the Department of Educational Psychology, School of Education, and CABHR Graduate Assistant, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Ron A. Cisler

Ron A. Cisler is Associate Professor of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and CABHR Scientist, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and is the Director of the Center for Urban Population Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and Aurora Health Care, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Lorna J. Dilley

Lorna J. Dilley is Assistant Director of the Center on Age and Community, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.