Work

Impact of Pandemic-Induced Psychosocial Hazards on the Mental Health Outcomes of Construction Professionals

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the control measures implemented by governments have caused serious harm to the physical and mental health of many, including professionals working in the construction industry. As one of the largest industries globally, it is important to examine the psychosocial hazards that occurred during the pandemic and their impacts on the mental health outcomes of construction professionals, especially those working for construction enterprises, as their work tends to be site-based and has been influenced more seriously during the pandemic. This research used a questionnaire to gather data from 531 professionals working in China’s construction industry. Descriptive analysis, Spearman’s correlation analysis, and partial least-squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) were employed to analyze the data. The findings indicate that work–family-related factors were critical psychosocial hazards. Their prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms are 32.96%, 32.58%, and 16.95%, respectively. Personal factors are the strongest predictors of poor mental health outcomes, especially anxiety, while work–family-related factors are influential on the development of depression symptoms. The findings are unique, as they reveal critical psychosocial hazards that affect the mental health of construction professionals during the pandemic. They provide important theoretical references for governments or construction enterprises to develop disaster management plans in cases of similar public health emergencies in the future.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15234339

Authors: Shang Zhang, Riza Yosia Sunindijo, Carol K. H. Hon, Haoxiang Li, Zhenwen Su, Peng Kang

Institutions: Suzhou University of Science and Technology, UNSW Sydney, Queensland University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137