Individual and contextual correlates of managers attitudes toward depressed employees.

Abstract

Managers’ attitudes toward depressed employees play an important role in effectively managing depression in the workplace. The present study pi- lot tested a survey measure of managers’ attitudes toward depressed em- ployees (n = 225). Exploratory factor analysis showed evidence of cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions in the measure of attitudes. Regression analyses examined relationships between the measure and a range of pro- posed individual and contextual correlates. Results showed that more nega- tive attitudes toward depressed employees were endorsed by managers who reported a more internal locus of control, higher levels of stress, less familiar- ity with depression, and greater reticence to seek help. Managers who per- ceived their organizations to have unsupportive depression disclosure norms reported higher levels of stigma, and those whose organizations had a clear mental health strategy reported lower levels of stigma. The fi ndings have important implications for developing human resource management strategies that deal with the increasing incidence and impact of depression in the workplace. Keywords: depression, stigma, employee mental health, manager attitudes