Strain-based work-to-family conflict as a predictor of lumbar and cervical pain in Tunisian nursing staff

Depression and work-family conflict mediating the effects of job stress on chronic pain: A structural equation modelling approach

PURPOSE

The majority of research studying the relationship between job stress and chronic pain has relied on physiological responses. This study aims to determine psycho-social mechanisms by which job stress can influence chronic pain in workers.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out among 793 workers in gas and oil platforms or petroleum refinery plants in southern Iran. Structural equation modelling was applied to evaluate the direct, indirect, and total effects of job stress on chronic pain in the presence of mediating variables (work-family conflict and depression).

RESULTS

According to the results, job stress (B=0.024, β=0.477), 95% CI [0.016, 0.032], work-family conflict (B=0.031, β=0.446), 95% CI [0.023, 0.038], depression (B=0.046, β=0.224), 95% CI [0.028, 0.064], and work experience (B=0.083, β=0.380), 95% CI [0.065, 0.101] had significant direct effects on chronic pain. The indirect paths from job stress to chronic pain via depression (B=0.002, β=0.042), 95%CI [0.001, 0.003] and work-family conflict (B=0.004, β=0.085), 95%CI [0.003, 0.006] were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Given that depression and work-family conflict mediate the effects of job stress on pain, stress management programs for workers might include various strategies to reduce negative thoughts as well as cognitive biases and minimize role conflicts between work and private life.