Abstract

FONSECA, Sérgio  and  QUEIROS, Cristina. Job engagement, stress, anxiety and depression in train drivers of the portuguese railway. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2020, vol.21, n.1, pp.191-197. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/20psd210128.

During their work train drivers are exposed to body vibrations caused by the train, noises, shifts, poor rest and railway accidents (e.g., person under train, suicides), which affect their engagement at work and occupational health, triggering stress, anxiety and depression. This study aims to identify work engagement, stress, depression, and anxiety levels among train drivers. Method: The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, The Anxiety, Depression and Stress Scale, and the Cohen-Hoberman Inventory of Physical Symptoms (stress symptoms) were applied to 325 train drivers, being 98% men, 81% experienced accidents, mean age 44.5 years (SD = 6.05) and 17.7 average years of job experience (SD = 6.42). Results: Moderate values of work engagement, stress, anxiety, depression and physical symptoms of stress were found, with anxiety and physical symptoms of stress being higher in train drivers with experience of accidents. Job experience correlates negatively with stress and depression, and positively with dedication and absorption. Stress/anxiety/depression explained 32% of engagement, but stress symptoms or individual/labor variables do not explain engagement. Discussion: It is important to study the occupational health of train drivers, considering their high responsibility tasks for passengers/goods, considering the impact of accidents on their psychological well-being and on how they adapt to the task throughout their working lives.

Keywords : Train drivers; Engagement; Stress; Anxiety; Depression.

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