A Longitudinal Analysis of Long Working Hours and the Onset of Psychological Distress

Abstract

OBJECTIVES There is a paucity of longitudinal studies examining the relationship between working hours and the development of Psychological Distress (PD) among U.S. workers. This study utilized a longitudinal approach to examine this relationship. METHODS The 2010-2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data was utilized. PD was analyzed among full-time U.S. employees without PD at baseline using a fixed effect approach. RESULTS The sample comprised 27,548 full-time workers. Individuals working 61 hours or more weekly had the highest risk of PD onset, at 9.9% (95% Confidence Interval, CI = 1.9% - 17.8%, p < 0.05), compared to those working 30-35 hours weekly. Interestingly, an increased risk of PD onset was found among individuals working 36-40 hours per week at 6.6% (CI = 1.5% - 11.6%%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Long working hours were associated with the increased development of PD.