ERIC Number: ED269688
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1985-Aug
Pages: 28
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Social Factors in the Workplace and Mental Health.
Repetti, Rena L.
Previous research has suggested that satisfying interpersonal relationships help promote psychological well-being. This study examined the influence that social relations at work have on the individual's mental health. Data were collected in two phases. In phase 1, a volunteer sample of nonmanagerial employees (N=302) from 37 bank branches rated the social environment at their work settings by completing a Social Environmental Survey. In phase 2, an all-female volunteer subsample (N=70) completed an additional questionnaire measuring psychological well-being. The results indicated that the quality of the social environment in bank branches was related to the psychological well-being of employees in the settings. Coworkers' average ratings of the common social environment were significantly correlated with two indices of individual employees' mental health, depression, and anxiety. Self-esteem was not as strongly related to the quality of the social environment as were depression and anxiety. An enhanced psychological significance to relationships with supervisors compared to relationships with coworkers was demonstrated. Practical applications of this research suggest that clinicians should consider the significant impact of the social environment at work and that organizations should realize the influence supervisors exert on the well-being of employees. (References are included.) (ABL)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association (93rd, Los Angeles, CA, August 23-27, 1985).