Effects of shift-working on mental health

Abstract

The purpose of this research proposal is to offer a research to find out mental health issues related to shift work; the main focus of this study is specifically on mental health of people working at night or during irregular shift hours in Great Britain. Many studies have been conducted in this area, from these studies, several found that working during night shifts or during irregular working hours has negative impact on mental health. A number of researchers have concluded that working in night shifts can result in physiological disorders. On the other hand, few researchers claimed that there is no relationship between shift work and mental health. Most of these studies had used cross sectional data. In order to overcome this drawback of past studies, this research study will use panel data, as the panel data represents both cross sectional and time series dimensions.

Table of Contents

Abstract1

Research Proposal4

Introduction4

Previous Studies4

Research Question7

Hypothesis7

Use of Panel Data7

Methodology8

Benefit of Using Primary Data8

Addresses Specific Research Issues8

Greater Control8

Efficient Spending for Information8

Proprietary Information9

Drawbacks of Using Primary Data9

Cost9

Time Consuming9

Not Always Feasible9

Variables10

References11

Research Proposal

Effects of shift-working on mental health

Introduction

The research in question will address the mental health related problems in workers that work at night shift or in irregular shift hours. Mental health is a concept that aims to create stable living conditions and environments that enable individuals to maintain a normal lifestyle and share in the benefits of the state. These efforts include measures to increase the chances of more people living a normal health life with full mental well being and stability. Donahue (2010) describes mental health promotion as promoting positive mental health by increasing psychological well-being, competence and resilience and by increasing supportive living conditions and environments (Donahue 2010: 203).

Previous Studies

There are very few studies that address the mental health issues arise due to shift works. Several studies have found relation between shift work and health issues (Poole, 1992). Mental health problems that many researchers have identified include, strain (Frese, et al. 1986) extreme emotional problems (Gordon, et al. 1986), and psychological well-being (Costa, et al. 2004). Researchers have also prove that shift workers also suffer from depression of different degrees (Geiger, et al. 2004) sub-clinical depression (Bildt, et al. 2002) , common problems including anxiety and depression elements (Waterhouse, et al. 1992), extra fatigue (Shen, et al. 2006), extreme levels of exhaustion (Kandolin, et al. 1993), and mental exhaustion (Tepas, et al. 2004). As many of these studies have used cross sectional data so, they were unable to show casual relationship between the shift work and mental health. Furthermore, there are also many studies that show no relationship between mental health and shift work (Skipper, et al. 1990). Consequently, the fundamental relationship between shift work and mental health issues are questionable to some researchers (Harrington, 2001) therefore, the use of panel data is emphasized for the study of mental health issues related to shift work.

Working in shifts is common in many societies. Males and females have very different roles in societies and ...