Coping with waves and stress: a jobs-demands resources model analysis of seafarers' mental health post COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to understand how COVID-19 affects seafarers’ mental health and to devise measures to address them. Seven factors that the paper will be focusing on includes environment, job stressors, job strains, job resources, job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach – Exploratory Factor Analysis was employed to summarize job resources. To assess the internal consistency of questionnaire responses, a Reliability Test, using corrected item-total correlation coefficients and Cronbach's alpha, was applied. ANOVA test was conducted to access variances in how respondents perceived these factors based on specific demographic criteria. Multiple Regression Model analysis was performed to examine the associations between environment, job stressors, job strains, relationship with organization and supervisors and relationship with colleagues, job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover intention.

Findings – Results revealed that a negative environment is positively related to job stressors, yet it is negatively related to relationship with organization and supervisors and relationship with colleagues. Results indicated that job stressors are positively related to job strains. Both relationship with organization and supervisors and relationship with colleagues are positively related to job satisfaction. Job strains are proven to be positively related to burnout while job satisfaction is proven to be negatively related with burnout. burnout has a positive relationship with turnover intention. Thus, it shows that the factors are considered as important determinants affecting seafarers’ mental health during COVID-19 and beyond.

Originality/value – This report also provided recommendations to shipping companies on how to improve the mental health of seafarers beyond COVID-19. The discoveries could carry substantial suggestions for researchers and practitioners in the maritime industry.

Keywords: Job Environment, Job Stressors, Job Resources, Job Strains, Job Satisfaction, Burnout, Turnover Intention, Seafarers, COVID-19, Jobs-Demand Resources Model, Conservation of Resources Theory