Work injuries and mental health challenges: A meta‐analysis of the bidirectional relationship

Abstract

The link between work injuries and mental health challenges significantly impacts individuals, organizations, and society. However, an integrated understanding of their relationship is lacking due to fragmented research across various disciplines. Drawing from uncertainty in illness theory, our comprehensive meta‐analysis (147 samples, N = 1,457,562) clarifies the bidirectional relationship between work injuries and mental health challenges. We estimate the average strength of the association, compare temporal ordering (work injuries preceding mental health challenges, and vice versa), explore underlying mechanisms, and identify potential moderating factors. Results from a random‐effects model reveal a moderate association between work injuries and mental health challenges (k = 147, ρ = .21, 95% CI = .19, .24, 95% CR = −.11, .50). Notably, the relationship is stronger when work injuries precede mental health challenges (k = 40, ρ = .23, 95% CI = .18, .29, 95% CR = −.10, .52) compared to the reverse (k = 18, ρ = .11, 95% CI = .03, .19, 95% CR = −.23, .42). Negative cognitions and perceived job demand underlie the bidirectional relationships between work injuries and mental health challenges. These findings highlight the interconnected nature of work injuries and mental health challenges, illustrating the need for comprehensive rehabilitation approaches that integrate physical and psychological care, and paving the way for future research and interventions.