[Mental Health Risks Among Managers - Results of a Qualitative Study and Implications for Stress Prevention].

OBJECTIVE: Research on mental health shows that, compared to employees, managers have a high risk for exhaustion, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. However, the origins and the progress of psychological complaints among managers have not been systematically evaluated to date. Based on a work and health psychological research model, the present study aims to identify health-related risk and protective factors.

METHODS: 15 interviews with managers working on different management levels and economic sectors were conducted. Categories of the contents of transcribed interviews were developed.

RESULTS: All managers reported psychological complaints, i. e. irritation, detachment problems, exhaustion, fatigue and sleep disturbances. However, a minority of them suffered chronic health problems. Whether psychological complaints persisted and became chronic or not, was associated with several conditions, among others managers' health-related risk perception and self-efficacy, recovery experiences as well as the health culture in the company.

CONCLUSION: The findings indicate the need for specific prevention strategies. Especially, managers and companies must further increase their awareness for the mental health risks associated with leadership activities.