Iran Occupational Health

Background and aims: Stress and depression are the main reasons for the decline in labor productivity. Due to the changes are very difficult in job stress factors, the role of personality variables that can soften the effects of these factors is very important.This study examined the mediating role of psychological hardiness and extraversion in the relationship between job demands and stress and depression have been conducted.

Methods: This study was descriptive-analytical study. The research sample consisted of 184 working men that selected via convenience sampling in Isafahan province and were completed the Morgeson and Humphrey’s knowledge characteristics(2006), revised Norwegian hardiness scale(Hystad et al, 2010), Beck depression inventory(1996), Warttig et al perceived stress(2013) and extraversion subscale in NEO_FFI(Costa & McCrae, 1989).

Results: The findings of this research showed that in the relationship between job demands and job stress, hardiness(B=-0.366, sig=0.05)and extraversion(B=-0.155, sig=0.05) play perfect mediator role and psychological hardiness mediates perfectly the relationship between job demands and depression(B=-1.399, sig=0.05). In the basis of absolute, comparative and parsimony fit index; the final version of the research model has goodness of fit(GFI=0.925,  TLI= 0.953, RMSEA= 0.056).

Conclusion: According to the results, for people with high hardiness, job demands are perceived as a challenge that must be engaged and control them. Therefore job demands for these people can't necessarily lead to stress and depression. Extroverts also due to positive emotions, social support and orientation to success, are consistent with job demands and these demands will not lead to stress in them. According to the results, it is recommended that companies and organizations in the process of selection and training in jobs with high job demands consider hardiness and extraversion.