Factors Associated With Workplace Bullying and the Mental Health of Construction Industry Apprentices: A Mixed Methods Study

Ross, Victoria; Mathieu, Sharna; Wardhani, Rachmania; Gullestrup, Jorgen; Kõlves, Kairi

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.629262

Cited by 41 publications

(58 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Therefore, we suggest treading carefully when discussing the previously held assertion that the ACI embodies a culture that encourages increased adherence to traditional masculine norms, above and beyond what is currently experienced in the broader male population. Further research is needed in this space to support this finding, as previous research suggests problematic culture not only for suicidal trajectories but in other contexts such as high levels of apprentice bullying [ 44 ]. Future research may consider comparison across more distinct populations (e.g., construction compared to non-male dominated industries) or across sub-groups within the ACI (e.g., apprentices compared to tradesmen, younger employees compared to older) to create richer understandings.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 86%

Suicidal Ideation in the Australian Construction Industry: Prevalence and the Associations of Psychosocial Job Adversity and Adherence to Traditional Masculine Norms

Tyler

Gunn

Esterman

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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Background: Suicide in the Australian Construction Industry (ACI) is a significant issue, however minimal understanding of suicidal ideation prevalence, as well as the potential role psychosocial job adversity and increased adherence to traditional masculine norms may play in its presence, is apparent. Method: A representative sample of Australian men (n = 11,132) were used to create initial understandings of prevalence of suicidal ideation (past two weeks), psychosocial job adversities and level of adherence to traditional masculine norms for the ACI (n = 1721) in comparison to a general population comprised of the remaining employed males from Other Industries (n = 9411). Additionally, due to their reported increased suicide vulnerability investigation of associations between suicidal ideation, psychosocial job adversities and adherence to traditional masculine norms for the ACI were undertaken. Results: No difference in suicidal ideation prevalence was reported between the ACI and those employed in Other Industries (p > 0.05), however, increased prevalence of psychosocial job adversities (p ≤ 0.001) and adherence to traditional masculine norms (p ≤ 0.001) for the ACI was seen. Significant multivariate associations between suicidal ideation, psychosocial job adversities (OR = 1.79, 95%CI [1.12–2.85]) and two domains of traditional masculine norms, self-reliance (OR = 1.29, 95%CI [1.09–1.51]) and risk-taking (OR = 1.20, 95%CI [1.01–1.41]), were reported. Conclusion: Results suggest need for increased understanding of later stage suicidal trajectory drivers in the ACI. Findings indicate need for prevention group/industry concentration on mitigation of psychosocial job adversities, as well as a more nuanced and increased discussion of the negative role of self-reliance and risk-taking domains of traditional masculine norms may play in ACI suicidal ideation, as opposed to the construct as a whole.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 86%

Suicidal Ideation in the Australian Construction Industry: Prevalence and the Associations of Psychosocial Job Adversity and Adherence to Traditional Masculine Norms

Tyler

Gunn

Esterman

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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“…Another study from Australia highlighted that male apprentices working in the construction industry were at particularly high risk of committing suicide, showing poor mental health in general, and turning to alcohol and other drugs. All of these were related to workplace bullying, which many construction industry apprentices were experiencing regularly [ 36 , 37 ]. Additionally, the barrier to seeking help was particularly high in male-dominated sectors due to toxic masculine belief systems that imply self-reliance or the suppression of emotions [ 38 , 39 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since apprentices have been shown to be a burdened group even in the absence of the COVID-19 crisis [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ] and research findings on their state of mental health [ 33 ] and consumption behavior [ 40 , 41 ] during this crisis added to the concern, a qualitative research approach was used to examine what apprentices felt most burdened by during the pandemic and how they dealt with these burdens.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Burdens of Apprentices Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic and How They Deal with Them: A Qualitative Study Using Content Analysis One-Year Post-Breakout

et al. 2022

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The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a variety of burdens for apprentices and, as a result, in a need for resources to deal with them. The present study examined answers to two open-ended questions, which were part of a larger online survey about the burdens and resources during the pandemic from 1442 Austrian apprentices. Data collection took place from 29 March to 18 May 2021. The answers were analyzed with qualitative content analysis and revealed that most apprentices were burdened by pandemic-related restrictions and rules, the impairment of their social life, and in their mental health. In terms of resources, they mostly fell back on their social contacts, especially their friends. Besides their social life, many apprentices also used personal attitudes, leisure activities, and distractions to deal with their stresses. The study sheds light on some of the background reasons for the high psychological distress among apprentices. In order to better support young people in coping with stress, it is recommended to expand preventive and educational mental health measures targeted at apprentices, to facilitate access to low-threshold psychosocial services for young people, and improve financial support for the receipt of these.

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“…Two-thirds of apprentices consumed alcohol at harmful levels [12], and a quarter of apprentices reported they had used cannabis in the previous month [9]. A recent study found that apprentices used a range of stress management strategies, such as hobbies and exercise, alcohol and drug use, and taking stress home to their partners and families [13]. Their employment-related stress also contributes to apprentices not completing their training, with about half of trade apprentices in Australia dropping out, and many doing so within the first year of training [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Apprentices’ Attitudes Toward Using a Mental Health Mobile App to Support Healthy Coping: Mixed Methods Study

Choi¹,

Petrie²,

Einboden³

et al. 2022

JMIR Hum Factors

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Background Apprenticeships are a common pathway for young people transitioning into the workforce. Apprentices often face many employment-related challenges and have high levels of psychological distress, drug and alcohol use, and suicidal ideation. Little is known about the attitudes of apprentices toward using smartphone apps to support their mental health and the content that would engage them. Objective This study explored (1) apprentices’ interest in using an app to support their mental health and (2) the healthy coping strategies used to manage their mental well-being in the face of workplace challenges, in order to inform future app content. Methods A mixed methods study was conducted with 54 apprentices (50/54 male, 93%) with a mean age of 22.7 (SD 5.7) years. Participants completed a survey on preferred ways of using an app to support mental health. Across 8 focus groups, participants were asked to describe healthy strategies they used to cope with occupational stressors. Results Only 11% (6/54) of participants currently used a well-being app, but there was high interest in using an app to support their friends (47/54 participants, 87%) and develop self-help strategies to manage or prevent mental health issues (42/54 participants, 78%). Four major types of coping behaviors were identified: (1) social connection for disclosure, advice, and socializing; (2) pleasurable activities, such as engaging in hobbies, time-outs, and developing work-life separation; (3) cognitive approaches, including defusing from thoughts and cognitive reframing; and (4) self-care approaches, including exercise, a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep. Conclusions There is interest among apprentices to use an app with a positive well-being focus that helps them to develop self-management skills and support their friends. Apprentices utilized a range of healthy behaviors to cope with workplace stressors that can be incorporated into mental health apps to improve uptake and engagement. However, many of the preferred coping strategies identified are not those focused on by currently available apps, indicating the need for more targeted digital interventions for this group.

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Factors Associated With Workplace Bullying and the Mental Health of Construction Industry Apprentices: A Mixed Methods Study

Cited by 41 publications

References 28 publications

Suicidal Ideation in the Australian Construction Industry: Prevalence and the Associations of Psychosocial Job Adversity and Adherence to Traditional Masculine Norms

Suicidal Ideation in the Australian Construction Industry: Prevalence and the Associations of Psychosocial Job Adversity and Adherence to Traditional Masculine Norms

Burdens of Apprentices Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic and How They Deal with Them: A Qualitative Study Using Content Analysis One-Year Post-Breakout

Apprentices’ Attitudes Toward Using a Mental Health Mobile App to Support Healthy Coping: Mixed Methods Study

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