A comparison of depressive symptoms between individuals working traditional and nontraditional hours.

Abstract

Shiftwork, which is becoming increasingly prevalent in our society, causes harmful side effects. Exactly what these effects are and what their severity may be is less well known. Shiftworkers have been reported to have higher levels of psychopathology (Akinnawo, 1988) and psychological symptoms (Bohle & Tilley, 1989) than traditional workers, and large numbers of individuals suffer from musculoskeletal and cardiovascular problems (Cervinka, 1993). Despite the many studies in this area, however, little is known about the effects of shiftwork on depression. Because of the numerous health and psychological troubles these workers face, depression was predicted to be worse for workers with nontraditional hours. In addition, women were predicted to report more depressive symptoms than men as this is the case in the general population (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1987). The second hypothesis was partially supported. While women were significantly more depressed than men among traditional workers, both sexes had equal levels of depression among shiftworkers. However, shiftworkers as a group suffered no more depressive symptoms than traditional workers. For women, the practice of shiftwork may offer certain benefits that are not present with traditional work, reducing the levels of depression they experience.