# Emotional Dysregulation and Stress-Related Psychopathology in Workers Exposed to Occupational Stress

## TL;DR

This study explores how emotional dysregulation relates to stress and mental health issues in workers dealing with occupational stress.

## Contribution

The study identifies emotional dysregulation as a transdiagnostic factor in stress-related mental health problems among workers.

## Key findings

- Negative ED domains correlated strongly with stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
- Affective instability was linked to job stress dimensions like decision latitude and job demands.
- Women reported higher perceived stress and anxiety compared to men.

## Abstract

Emotional dysregulation (ED) reflects a heightened reactivity to stimuli, characterized by excessive negative affect and impulsive behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate ED in workers seeking care for occupational stress and to examine its associations with sociodemographic characteristics, occupational stress, and the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Eighty-seven workers referred for work-related stress were assessed using the Psychological Stress Measure (PSM) and the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) for stress, the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) for psychopathology, and the RIPoSt-40 for ED. Group comparisons and correlation analyses were conducted using parametric or non-parametric tests, as appropriate. Forty-six percent of participants met criteria for Adjustment Disorders and 54% for Major Depressive Disorder. No significant differences between diagnostic groups emerged for ED or symptom severity. Women reported higher perceived stress and anxiety than men. Negative ED domains—affective instability, negative emotionality, and emotional impulsivity—showed moderate-to-strong positive correlations with stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Affective instability was also related to job stress dimensions, correlating negatively with decision latitude and positively with job demands. Negative emotional dysregulation appears to be a transdiagnostic vulnerability factor for stress-related psychopathology. Screening for ED may support early detection and targeted preventive interventions in occupational settings.