The longitudinal directional associations of meaningful work with mental well-being – initial findings from an exploratory investigation
Herr R, Brokmeier L, Baron BN, Mauss D, Fischer JE (2023)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2023
Journal
Book Volume: 11
Article Number: 325
Journal Issue: 1
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01308-x
Abstract
Background: An increasing number of studies reveal that more meaning in life is positively related to mental well-being. Meaning in life can be derived from different sources, including the workplace. The aim of this study was to explore the longitudinal directional association of meaningful work with mental well-being. Methods: Prospective data from 292 persons at two timepoints (two-week interval) were used to estimate the cross-lagged relationship and directionality of meaningful work with mental well-being. Results: The cross-lagged panel model had a good fit to the data (Chi2 ms(90) = 150.9; p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.048; p = 0.576; CFI = 0.984; TLI = 0.979; SRMR = 0.040) and showed that levels of meaningful work at t1 had a positive effect on mental well-being at t2 (β = 0.15, p = 0.010). But mental well-being at t1 did not affect meaningful work at t2 (β = 0.02, p = 0.652). Sub-analyses revealed the effects to be mainly driven by women (as opposed to men) and white-collar workers (as opposed to blue-collar workers). Conclusion: This study confirmed a directional association of meaningful work on mental well-being, indicating that more meaningful work has beneficial mental well-being effects.
Authors with CRIS profile
Raphael Herr
Professur für Epidemiologie und Public Health
Luisa Brokmeier
Professur für Epidemiologie und Public Health
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Herr, R., Brokmeier, L., Baron, B.N., Mauss, D., & Fischer, J.E. (2023). The longitudinal directional associations of meaningful work with mental well-being – initial findings from an exploratory investigation. BMC Psychology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01308-x
MLA:
Herr, Raphael, et al. "The longitudinal directional associations of meaningful work with mental well-being – initial findings from an exploratory investigation." BMC Psychology 11.1 (2023).
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