Psychosocial factors at work, personality traits and depressive symptoms

Background An association between stressful job conditions and depressive symptoms has been reported. This association could be explained by personality traits. Aims To examine the relationship between psychosocial factors at work and changes in depressive symptoms, taking into account personality traits. Method The role of occupational characteristics, psychosocial stress and personality traits in predicting an increase of depressive symptoms was evaluated in 7729 men and 2790 women working at the French National Electricity and Gas Company, with a 3-year follow-up. Results In men, high decision latitude was predictive of a decrease in the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression scale (CES-D) scores. In both genders, high job demands and low social support at work were predictive of increased scores, irrespective of personality traits and covariates. Conclusions Adverse psychosocial work conditions are predictors of depressive symptom worsening, independent of personality traits.