Ulster University

Academic Institute

Ulster University

Yes

157

This study will extend the application of a combined ‘occupation/family’ model in the study of occupation and family demands in the determination of mental health outcomes for both men and women. Using NI administrative data, this study affords the opportunity to examine the association between an exhaustive list of occupations and mental wellbeing. In an extension of the work by Lennon et al. (1992), the current study will focus on a combined ‘occupation model’ and ‘family model’ and their effects on mental health outcomes among working adults in the NI population. Occupational groupings will be determined according to major, sub-major and minor units as classified in the Standard Occupational Classification. The family demands component of the model will explore the association of dependent children, informal caregiving and membership of the ‘sandwich generation’ on mental health outcomes The richness of administrative data will also enable the examination of the influence of other key sociodemographic, socio-economic and other health related variables. The study aims to address the following key research questions: 1. What is the prevalence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) across occupation types, as categorised in the Standard Occupational Classification system? 2. What types of mental health conditions are associated with different occupation groupings? 3. What is the risk of mental ill health associated with different occupation types, controlling for other key socio-demographic, socioeconomic, job-related and health related characteristics? 4. Do family demands moderate the relationship between occupation type and mental health outcomes? Does this profile differ for males and females? 5. Is there variation in mental health between and within occupational groupings and are there differences in the association of key predictor variables for males and females?

We envisage that this project will result in a wide range of societal benefits through direct benefits to a range of key stakeholders: Workers with mental health conditions: By providing an evidence base on the risks of mental ill health associated with occupational groupings and family demands, this research will raise awareness of mental health issues among the general working population and (dependent on the findings) will be of particular interest to caregivers, parents with dependent children and members of the ‘sandwich generation’. Employers: By providing a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence and risk of mental health among employees in different occupations, this research will be of particular interest to employers, particularly in Northern Ireland. From a business perspective, effective management of employees’ health needs has a range of potential benefits, such as reduction of absence, increased productivity, and reduced staff turnover. Findings from this study will provide a basis for the development of communications and policies relating to occupational health, for example flexible working hours, the creation of supportive environments and development of infrastructure within the workplace that will support the needs of working parents and caregivers. The Health and Social Care Sector: This research will directly impact upon the health and social care sector, and in particular occupational health services, with a mental health focus. The research will furnish occupational health teams with an evidence –base, which will inform their risk assessments, taking into account an individual’s health problem, the nature of their employment, family responsibilities and other risk factors. This in turn will enable them to have more effective liaison with employers and managers in designing workplace adjustments to support employee’s mental health. The UK government and economy: The ultimate aim of this research is to inform strategies and policies which promote investment in ‘mental capital’. An influential Lancet article outlining the key mechanisms which support a country’s economic growth emphasises the importance of having a mentally healthy workforce in order for an economy to flourish economically (Beddington et al., 2008). Investment in the mental wellbeing of workers will help promote their productivity in the workplace. Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector groups working on mental health: By running a workshop with VCSE sector researchers working on (occupational) mental health issues, specifically addressing how administrative data can help answer their research questions and develop their evidence base, the team will be contributing to the enhancement of research skills and knowledge of data within the sector, as well as creating valuable links between the sector and academic researchers. This will provide increased pathways to impact for the research, and evidence and knowledge for the third sector.

05/07/2018

TRE