healthy worker effect
The phenomenon where employed populations appear healthier than the general population due to selection bias.
Full Definition
The healthy worker effect is a form of selection bias commonly encountered in occupational epidemiology studies, including psychiatric research in workplace settings. This bias occurs because employment generally requires a basic level of physical and mental health, effectively excluding individuals with severe psychiatric conditions from worker populations. Consequently, studies of mental health in employed populations may underestimate disease prevalence and risk factors compared to community samples. This effect is particularly relevant in psychiatric epidemiology because mental health conditions can significantly impact work capacity and employment status.
Usage
Usage note: Consider this bias when interpreting mental health findings from occupational or workplace studies.
In Context
- "The healthy worker effect may have contributed to the unexpectedly low prevalence of depression in the occupational cohort." — workplace mental health study
- "Researchers acknowledged potential healthy worker effect when comparing findings to population norms." — study limitations discussion