The Association Between Effort-Reward Imbalance and Depressive Symptoms Is Modified by Selection, Optimization, and Compensation Strategy

OBJECTIVE: To examine the main and interactive effects of effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) strategy on depressive symptoms among the working population in the City of Kumning, China. METHODS: We assessed the separate and combined effects of low versus high ERI and good versus poor SOC strategy on depressive symptoms using multivariable logistic regression analyses in a population-based sample (N = 2457). RESULTS: High ERI and poor SOC were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, respectively. In employees with both high ERI and poor SOC, the odds ratio was highly elevated as compared with the reference group (low ERI and good SOC). CONCLUSIONS: If our findings are confirmed by prospective studies, health promotion programs in work settings might consider SOC as an integral part to mitigate the adverse mental health effects of ERI.