Mental illness in the workplace: correlates, consequences and management in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Numerous objectives have been outlined to assist in the transformation of survey data into policy action. The studies contained here represent a preliminary step in addressing these objectives. The thesis focuses specifically on the work domain in light of the bi-directional relationship between employment and mental health outcomes. The aim was to elucidate on the possible causes, consequences and management in this context. A mixed method approach was employed which drew on multiple sources of data (NISHS, APMS, Suicide Coroners Data, Qualitative interviews). Analysis was threefold; firstly to present the prevalence, correlates and impact of mental illness in the Northern Ireland (NI) workplace; second to examine the possible contributors to employee suicidality specifically in terms of the interaction between work stress and occupational skill level; finally to utilise qualitative techniques to understand the experiences of those managing employee mental illness. Findings from chapter two revealed that mental illness is pervasive in the NI workplace and associated with productivity loss particularly suboptimal performance. A significant interaction between symptom severity and perceived stigma on service use was noted in chapter three with lower severity conditions less likely to attend mental health services. In chapter four the findings suggested the possibility of a stepwise gradient in occupational suicide risk with work stress found to be a possible explanation for this variation within process occupations. Lastly, the analysis of qualitative interviews exposed a persistent lack of mental health knowledge and a need for consolidation of training and support in the management of employee mental health. The workplace may constitute a platform in which to promote positive mental health through the provision of adequate social support, tailored services and the reduction in workplace stress. This may be facilitated through increased awareness of service provision across the continuum of severity and enhanced employee ownership of tasks.

Date of Award	Mar 2015
Original language	English
Sponsors	Department for Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland
Supervisor	Siobhan O'Neill (Supervisor) & Sam Murphy (Supervisor)