Job Satisfaction as a Predictor of Mental Health Problems and Substance Use among Personnel Working in Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan

This study aims to investigate the predictive association of job satisfaction with mental health problems (i.e. depression, anxiety & stress) and substance use among personnel working in HEIs in Pakistan. A sample of personnel working in different public and private sector HEIs in Pakistan was recruited using a convenient sampling technique. To assess the variables, the Job Satisfaction Survey, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Drug Abuse Screening Test were utilised, with all measures administered in the Urdu language. Findings indicate that, variables of job satisfaction (i.e., supervision & fringe benefits) significantly predicted substance. Furthermore, there is a significant predictive association of job satisfaction with depression, anxiety and stress. Moreover, there is a significant predictive relationship of components of job satisfaction, such as promotion, fringe benefits, and supervision, with depression, and promotion, supervision, fringe benefits, and contingent rewards are significantly associated with anxiety, and the variable of fringe benefits is significantly associated with stress. The findings indicate that components of job satisfaction, such as fringe benefits, supervision quality, and promotion, are significantly associated with mental health problems. Job satisfaction across these domains offers a protective effect in reducing mental health issues and substance use. These insights underscore the importance of fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment and climate to enhance employees’ productivity, mental well-being, and quality of life.