Perceived Work-Related Demands Associated with Social Change, Control Strategies, and Psychological Well-Being

We analyzed whether perceived work-related demands associated with social change (e.g., increased risk of becoming unemployed and more difficulties with long-term career planning) and processes of dealing with work-related demands relate to psychological well-being; and whether these relationships vary by regional economic conditions. A sample of 1,427 employed respondents was interviewed who live in economically healthy versus weak regions of Germany. It was found that higher levels of work-related demands were associated with lower psychological well-being, whereas higher levels of goal engagement in coping with these demands related to higher well-being. Respondents from economically disadvantaged regions perceived higher levels of work-related demands and used more goal engagement control strategies. However, the association of work-related demands with psychological well-being was weaker in economically disadvantaged regions. In addition, associations between perceived work-related demands and goal disengagement on psychological well-being varied by the economic conditions of the region.