The Impact of Subjective Socioeconomic Status and Job Satisfaction on Psychological Symptoms of Economically Active People With Disabilities

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of subjective socioeconomic status (SES) and job satisfaction on psychological symptoms of economically active people with disabilities. Data from the Korean Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled (PSED) from 2016 to 2018 were assessed using a longitudinal analysis. A total of 1591 individuals were included as the study population. To explore the impact of subjective SES and job satisfaction on psychological symptoms, a generalized estimating equation model was applied. People who were dissatisfied with their jobs and perceived themselves to have a low SES were 1.73 times more likely to have stress. Likewise, people with low job satisfaction and low subjective SES were 3.83 times more likely to have depressive symptoms, and even if subjective SES was high, those dissatisfied with their jobs were 4.24 times more likely to develop depressive symptoms. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that subjective SES had a greater influence on the psychological health of the economically active disabled population. These results highlight the importance of considering a disabled person’s subjective socioeconomic factors and suggest ways to help them achieve a healthier and more fulfilling life.