The population at the companies was mostly middle-aged and male-dominated (Bergstrom et al. 2008). Included in the present study were

only those who had worked for at least 1 year at one of the four workplaces and who responded to the baseline questionnaire (T1: n = 2,563), and who were categorized as showing no symptoms of depression at T1 according to the HAD (see description of measures below), (Fig. 1). Fig. 1 A schematic representation of participants in the study Screening A comprehensive questionnaire addressing the employees’ health, lifestyle, and work-related factors was sent by mail to the entire workforce (from top management to the assembly line). This screening Akt inhibitor instrument was a compilation of valid questionnaires and was administered on two occasions (with an 18-month interval between assessments) during the course of the study. Measures The objective of the AHA project Selleckchem LOXO-101 MLN2238 molecular weight is to develop a method of reinforcing and supporting sustainable health throughout one’s working life, achieving this through the implementation in companies and organizations of a method whereby measures

aimed at promoting health and preventing ill health form a natural part of the work organization. The primary aim of the AHA method, which focuses on the psychosocial work environment, is to identify the factors in working life which can contribute to the health and well-being of the individual, work groups, and the organization. Surveying these factors provides valuable information about how the psychosocial work environment is perceived. The questionnaire used in the AHA method has been taken mainly from QPSNordic, which is an instrument for investigating psychosocial, social, and organizational conditions at the workplace. It has been developed and validated by a number of Nordic researchers and financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers (Lindström et al. 2000; Dallner et al. 2000). Job strain (Theorell et al. 1998;

Lindström et al. 2000; Dallner et al. 2000). The calculation of job strain was treated as suggested by the developers as follows: (1) Low strain, (2) Active, (3) Passive, and (4) High strain (Karasek 1979). In the analyses, we dichotomized strain as (1) High strain (2) No strain where 2 included Low Strain, Active, and Passive were others combined. In the present study, bystanders are referred to as co-workers who witnessed the bullying process. The following questions were asked: Bystander to bullying (Lindström et al. 2000; Dallner et al. 2000). Have you noticed if anyone has been subjected to bullying/harassment at your workplace during the last 6 months? (1) No (2) yes. The median was calculated for the following items: Rumors of changes in the workplace with regard to predictability of work (Lindström et al. 2000; Dallner et al. 2000). (1) Very seldom or never (2) Seldom (3) Sometimes (4) Very often or always. Role Clarity (Lindström et al. 2000; Dallner et al. 2000).