Work injuries and mental health

Work injuries and mental health problems continue to inflict hardship on workers and their families while imposing severe costs on organizations. Yet the development of theory about the relationship between work injuries and mental health problems has stalled in recent years despite the implications that advancing theory could provide in improving prevention, recovery, and disclosure. I propose extending prior theory to explain why and in what direction the relationship between work injuries and mental health problems will arise. In particular, I intend to examine particular psychological mechanisms captured in the CLSA linking work injuries and mental health. Results from this study will have important implications for occupational health and safety initiatives surrounding the prevention, recovery, and reporting of work injuries and mental health problems.