Differential Effects of Mental and Physical Health and Coping Style on Work Ability: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study among Aging Workers

Hanneke Van De Vijfeijke, Fenna R M Leijten, Jan Fekke Ybema*, Swenne G. Van Den Heuvel, Suzan J W Robroek, Allard J. Van Der Beek, Alex Burdorf, Toon W. Taris

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study examines whether mental and physical health relate differently to work ability and whether these associations vary with coping style. METHODS: A 1-year longitudinal study was conducted among 8842 employees aged 45 to 64 years from the Study on Transitions in Employment, Ability and Motivation. On-line questionnaires measured self-perceived mental and physical health at baseline and coping and work ability at follow-up. The data were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS: Active coping and good mental and especially physical health predicted high work ability at follow-up. Avoidant coping was negatively related to work ability. Seeking support was unrelated to work ability. Interaction effects of coping and health on work ability were weak. CONCLUSIONS: Successful coping styles and good health predict high work ability, and thus, promoting such factors can help improve sustainable employability.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1238-1243
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Volume55
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2013

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