Predictors of Mental Health Outcomes in Grocery Store Workers amid the COVID-19 Pandemic and Implications for Workplace Safety and Moral Injury

Melissa Janson, Jill D. Sharkey and Daniel A. del Cid
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Melissa Janson: Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
Jill D. Sharkey: Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
Daniel A. del Cid: Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-16

Abstract: Limited research exists on the mental health (MH) of grocery store workers (GSWs), who have been on the frontlines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. A disaster MH conceptual model incorporating demographics, disaster exposure and threat (COVID-19 fear and workplace threat perception), perceived stress, and social support (lack of from family and friends) was utilized to predict MH outcomes (anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms; PTSS) of GSWs. GSWs ( n = 842) were recruited through a regional union in California. The participants were diverse (62.1% female) and were 18–69 years of age ( M = 41.5, SD = 13.9). They completed an online survey regarding COVID-19 fear, workplace threat perception, perceived stress, lack of social support, and workplace needs/recommendations for support. Three hierarchical linear regression models were run assessing each MH outcome. Thematic analysis coding and an inductive approach were utilized for analyzing open-ended responses of workplace needs/recommendations. Females and younger GSWs (ages 18–29 years old) on average, reported higher MH symptoms than males and older age groups, respectively. COVID-19 fear and perceived stress were significant predictors of anxiety, while COVID-19 fear, workplace threat perception, and perceived stress significantly predicted depression and PTSS, explaining almost half of the variance for each model. Social support and demographics were not predictive of MH outcomes. Almost half of GSWs (40%) requested increased safety protections in the workplace. Feelings of fear of COVID-19, threat in the workplace, and overall perceived stress are predictive of GSWs’ MH outcomes. Increasing feelings of safety in the workplace and reducing stress may lessen MH symptoms.

Keywords: mental health outcomes; grocery store workers; threat perception; COVID-19; moral injury (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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