To examine the relationships between job stressors and depressive symptoms in Japanese computer software engineers and managers, a cross-sectional mailed survey was conducted in 1991. Eight subjective job stressor scales were constructed based on a factor analysis and content of items. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scales (CES-D) as stress response. In this study, 1,694 software engineers and 296 managers were analyzed. Engineers reported significantly higher lack of job control, lack of intrinsic rewards, and ambiguity of career development, lower job overload and change of computer technology than managers. Managers worked longer hours, but used VDUs shorter hours than engineers. Engineers had significantly higher CES-D scores than managers. Multiple regression analysis of each group revealed that lack of intrinsic rewards showed the most significant predictor of CES-D scores. Interpersonal conflict in the project team and lack of control were common significant stressors for each group after controlling for confounding variables. In managers, job overload and changes of computer technology showed significantly associated with depressive symptoms. These results suggested that reduction of such job stressors might improve mental health of software engineers and managers.
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