Mediating and Moderating Effects of Psychological Detachment on the Association Between Stressors and Depression: A Longitudinal Study of Japanese Workers

J Occup Environ Med. 2023 Mar 1;65(3):e161-e169. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002780. Epub 2022 Dec 29.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines the mediating and moderating effects of psychological detachment (PD) based on the stressor-detachment model in the long term.

Methods: Two waves of Web-based surveys, 28 months apart, yielded 3556 responses from Japanese workers. Comparisons between models that included mediating and moderating effects of PD and reverse direction mediating effects (strain → PD → stressor) were made by structural equation modeling. Differences in depression as a strain between combinations of high and low stressors and PD were also examined.

Results: The best-fitting model was the moderation/reciprocal partial-mediation model. The effect of PD was significant in the group with stable or decreasing stressor.

Conclusion: According to the worker's level of stressors, PD, and depression, targeted interventions may effectively prevent physical and mental health problems caused by chronic stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Depression* / psychology
  • East Asian People
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Stress, Psychological* / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires