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

J Occup Environ Med. 2025 Jan 1;67(1):11-18. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003231.

Abstract

Objectives: There is a paucity of longitudinal studies examining the relationship between working hours and the development of psychological distress (PD) among US 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 US 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% CI = 1.9%-17.8%, P < 0.05), compared to those working 30 to 35 hours weekly. Interestingly, an increased risk of PD onset was found among individuals working 36 to 40 hr/wk at 6.6% (CI = 1.5%-11.6%%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Long working hours were associated with the increased development of PD.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Stress / epidemiology
  • Occupational Stress / psychology
  • Psychological Distress*
  • Risk Factors
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Work Schedule Tolerance* / psychology
  • Young Adult