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Psychopathology, Defence Mechanisms, and the Psychosocial Work Environment

Author

Listed:
  • Anelia Larsen

    (Unit for Psychiatric Research, Aalborg Psychiatric Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark)

  • Henrik Bøggild

    (North Jutland Public Health Medical Office, Denmark)

  • Jens Tølbøll Mortensen

    (Department of Social Medicine and Department of Occupational Medicine, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark)

  • Leslie Foldager

    (Centre for Psychiatric Research, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark)

  • John Hansen

    (Unit for Psychiatric Research, Aalborg Psychiatric Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark)

  • Anders Christensen

    (Psychiatric Department, Vejle General Hospital, Denmark)

  • Mikkel Arendt

    (Clinic for Anxiety Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark)

  • Nicole Rosenberg

    (Clinic for Anxiety Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark)

  • Povl Munk-Jørgensen

    (Unit for Psychiatric Research, Aalborg Psychiatric Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, pmj@rn.dk)

Abstract

Background: The body of evidence verifies the predictive value of certain work characteristics for mental health problems and that various levels of adaptation mechanisms are employed when dealing with adversity. Data on the relationships between employees’ mental health status, their perceptions of work, and their psychological defences are scarce. Aims: To examine the role that personal defences play in the relationship between psychiatric symptoms among working people and their working environment. Methods: Nine hundred and seventy six employees (mean age = 42.4 years, SD = 11.3) participated in a questionnaire study that included the Defence Style Questionnaire, the Symptom Checklist 90 revised, and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire . Results: Data showed that greater maturity of psychological defences was associated with higher level of psychological functioning and there were strong associations between presence of psychopathology and the three defence clusters. Results indicated a strong positive correlation between the mature defence style and the perception of a satisfactory workplace. There was no interaction between psychopathology and defences in relation to work environment. Conclusion: Psychopathology and defences were significantly associated with work conditions, which could suggest that adaptation mechanisms and psychopathology are two independent forms of adjustment to the rapidly changing world of work.

Suggested Citation

  • Anelia Larsen & Henrik Bøggild & Jens Tølbøll Mortensen & Leslie Foldager & John Hansen & Anders Christensen & Mikkel Arendt & Nicole Rosenberg & Povl Munk-Jørgensen, 2010. "Psychopathology, Defence Mechanisms, and the Psychosocial Work Environment," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 56(6), pages 563-577, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:56:y:2010:i:6:p:563-577
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764008099555
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stansfeld, Stephen & Feeney, Amanda & Head, Jenny & Canner, Robert & North, Fiona & Marmot, Michael, 1995. "Sickness absence for psychiatric illness: The Whitehall II study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 40(2), pages 189-197, January.
    2. Mausner-Dorsch, H. & Eaton, W.W., 2000. "Psychosocial work environment and depression: Epidemiologic assessment of the demand-control model," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 90(11), pages 1765-1770.
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