AN ANALYSIS OF OCCUPATIONAL FACTORS AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG STATE ROAD TRANSPORT EMPLOYEES IN TAMIL NADU

Abstract

The Present examines the relationship between occupational factors, mental health dimensions, and socio demographic characteristics. A quantitative approach with a descriptive and analytical research design was adopted. Primary data were collected from 240 respondents using a structured questionnaire and convenience sampling. The data were analysed using frequency and percentage analysis, mean, standard deviation, Cronbach’s alpha, and canonical correlation analysis. The findings revealed that job satisfaction recorded the highest mean score (3.92), followed by organisational support (3.81) and work environment (3.78), while working hours and shift work recorded the lowest score (3.54). Among mental health dimensions, resilience recorded the highest mean (3.96), followed by self-esteem (3.94), whereas depression recorded the lowest mean (3.21). Reliability analysis indicated satisfactory internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.855 to 0.891 for occupational factors and 0.789 for mental health. Canonical correlation analysis identified a significant relationship between occupational factors and mental health, with the first canonical correlation reaching 0.5995. Higher workload and work-related stress, coupled with lower job satisfaction and organisational support, were associated with anxiety and depression. Conversely, favourable working conditions and organisational support were associated with greater resilience and self-esteem. The study emphasises improving workplace conditions, strengthening organisational support, promoting work–life balance, and addressing psychological distress to enhance employees’ mental health and well-being.