Working conditions and mental health of employees suffering from common mental disorders in Germany with special consideration to the migration generation

Herold R, Erim Y, Schröder UB, Heming M, Rothermund-Nassir E, Weber J, Hander NR, Morawa E (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

BMC Psychology BMC

Book Volume: 14

Article Number: 1272

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1186/s40359-026-05486-2

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines working conditions, mental health and their association among mentally burdened employees in Germany attending psychotherapeutic consultation at work, considering first- and second-generation migrants. Methods: Baseline data from a randomized controlled trial on psychotherapeutic consultation at work (friaa study) were analyzed. Using χ²- and two-sided t-tests and one-way ANOVAs, differences between individuals with and without migration background (MB) as well as individuals without MB and first- and second-generation migrants were assessed regarding working conditions (self-constructed questions, five scales of the COPSOQ, PSC) and depressive (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-2) and somatic symptoms (SSS-8). Associations between working conditions and mental health were calculated for the entire sample and separately for individuals with and without MB using linear regression analyses. Results: Among 549 participants (54.8% female, mean age: 45.9 years (SD = 11.0), 12.4% had a MB. Individuals with MB more often worked in jobs associated with lower socio-economic status (blue-collar work: p=.008, fewer subordinates: p<.001, less possibilities for development: p=.004). Poorer work environment (especially in individuals without MB) (all βs≥0.124, all ps≤0.008) and quantitative job demands (especially in individuals with MB) (all βs≥0.118, all ps≤0.071, partially only statistical trends) were associated with worse mental health. Higher possibilities for development (in individuals with and without MB) (all βs≥-0.102, all ps≤0.071), social support (all βs≥-0.111, all ps≤0.016) and psychosocial safety climate (all βs≥-0.104, all ps≤0.044) (both especially in individuals without MB) were related to better mental health. Conclusion: Findings suggest the importance of improving and tailoring working conditions to employees‘ needs, including consideration of MB. Trial registration number: Registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS) at 01.03.2021 (DRKS00023049).

Authors with CRIS profile

Regina Herold Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy Yesim Erim Professur für Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie Eva Morawa Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy

Involved external institutions

Universitätsklinikum Ulm DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf DE Germany (DE) Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin (BAuA) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Herold, R., Erim, Y., Schröder, U.B., Heming, M., Rothermund-Nassir, E., Weber, J.,... Morawa, E. (2026). Working conditions and mental health of employees suffering from common mental disorders in Germany with special consideration to the migration generation. BMC Psychology, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-026-05486-2

MLA:

Herold, Regina, et al. "Working conditions and mental health of employees suffering from common mental disorders in Germany with special consideration to the migration generation." BMC Psychology 14.1 (2026).

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