Differential Effects of Mental and Physical Health and Coping Style on Work Ability: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study among Aging Workers

OBJECTIVE: This study examines whether mental and physical health relate differently to work ability and whether these associations vary with coping style. METHODS: A 1-year longitudinal study was conducted among 8842 employees aged 45 to 64 years from the Study on Transitions in Employment, Ability and Motivation. On-line questionnaires measured self-perceived mental and physical health at baseline and coping and work ability at follow-up. The data were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS: Active coping and good mental and especially physical health predicted high work ability at follow-up. Avoidant coping was negatively related to work ability. Seeking support was unrelated to work ability. Interaction effects of coping and health on work ability were weak. CONCLUSIONS: Successful coping styles and good health predict high work ability, and thus, promoting such factors can help improve sustainable employability.