Association between psychosocial safety climate and depression risk among Korean workers

Abstract

Objectives: Psychosocial safety climate (PSC) reflects an organization's commitment to safeguarding workers' psychological health and safety. While international evidence links low PSC to poor mental health outcomes, its association with depression has not been well established in Korea. This study aimed to examine the relationship between PSC and depression among Korean workers, utilizing a large-scale, population-based survey.

Methods: We analyzed data from 5,337 wage employees who participated in the fifth wave of the Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study. Depression was measured using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and PSC was assessed with a validated 4-item scale (PSC-4). Participants were classified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups based on their PSC scores. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to estimate the association between PSC and depression, with stratified analyses performed according to gender, age, and occupational characteristics.

Results: The prevalence of depression increased as PSC scores decreased. Compared to the low-risk group, the intermediate- and high-risk PSC groups exhibited 1.19 and 2.69 times higher risks of depression, respectively, suggesting a clear exposure-response relationship. Stratified analyses indicated that associations were stronger among individuals without union representation or access to occupational health and safety resources.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the critical role of PSC in workplace mental health. Promoting a high PSC may help reduce depression risk and support mental well-being among workers. Interventions considering vulnerable subgroups are warranted to create psychologically safer work environments in Korea.

Keywords: Depression; Employee wellbeing; Korea; Mental health; Psychosocial safety climate; Workplace.