Protective and risk factors for depressive mood and anxiety against occupational stress: examining temperament character and coping strategy among civil servants

Abstract

This study investigated protective and risk factors for depressive mood and anxiety against occupational stress, including temperament character and coping strategy, among civil servants. We administered a questionnaire that included demographic factors and psychological scales to 1197 Korean civil servants. High levels of occupational stress, temperaments of novelty seeking and harm avoidance, a character of cooperativeness, and using emotion-focused coping were risk factors for depressive mood, while living with a partner, having a character of self-directedness, and using problem-focused strategies were protective factors. Additionally, female gender, high level of occupational stress, and temperaments of novelty seeking and harm avoidance were risk factors for anxiety, while having a character of self-directedness was a protective factor. Assessment of temperament character and training on effective coping strategies may help address depressive mood and anxiety for civil servants.