Gender Difference of Moderated Mediating Effect of Grit Between Occupational Stress and Suicidal Ideation in Korean Workers

Background: This study examined gender differences in occupational stress, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation by considering the potential moderating effect of grit on Korean employees.

Methods: A total of 11,369 participants (7,735 men and 3,634 women) aged 19-65 years, employed across 18 private companies and local government organizations in Korea, completed questionnaires including the Short Grit Scale, Korean Occupational Stress Scale, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale between April 2020 and March 2022. Suicidal ideation was assessed based on its presence or absence. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences PROCESS macro.

Results: Depressive symptoms partially mediated the relationship between occupational stress and suicidal ideation in male employees, whereas depressive symptoms fully mediated the relationship in female employees. Grit moderated the relationship between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in male employees but not in female employees. Furthermore, the moderated mediating effect of grit in male employees on the relationship between occupational stress and suicidal ideation provided less protection in cases of severe depression. The cross-sectional design does not allow for causal inferences.

Conclusion: These findings contribute to understanding of the gender differences in the impact of depressive symptoms on the relationship between occupational stress and suicidal ideation, as well as the protective effect of grit. These findings highlight the need for gender-specific approaches to prevent suicidal ideation among employees.