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Categories | Number of studies | Study design (n°) | Main results |
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Mental health | 40 | Cross-sectional (19) | Lower OJ was associated with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, lower mental health, suicidality, tinnitus (pJ and iJ), and higher rates of psychiatric morbidity. High levels of OJ are associated with fewer sleeping problems |
Longitudinal (21) | Higher justice has been prospectively associated with lower antidepressant medication (pJ) (2-year follow-up), a lower incidence of depression (2-year follow-up), lower odds of sleep problems (2-year, 10- to 16-year, and 4-year follow-ups), lower rates of minor psychiatric morbidity, self-rated health (1-year follow-up), and physical and mental health (1-year, 3-year follow-ups). Some studies found only a short-term effect between OJ and depression, mental health, and sleep difficulties |
Cross-sectional (21) | High OJ is associated with lower job stress, occupational strain, job burnout, emotional exhaustion, psychological distress, and biological indicators of stress. OJ could work as a moderator of the effect of other stressors on health (e.g., job insecurity, patient-related stress, negative leadership styles, or team climate) |
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Job stress | 26 | Longitudinal (3) | Low OJ was associated with higher psychological distress (2-year follow-up) and pJ with higher perceived stress (1 year after). pJ also produced exhaustion-reducing effects |
Experimental (2) | The low iJ group showed higher cortisol levels (HPA axis activity) compared with the high iJ group. Justice variability: heart rate levels were higher among those in the variable fairness condition, compared with the always-fair and always-unfair conditions |
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Sickness absence | 15 | Cross-sectional (3) | Higher levels of pJ and rJ have been associated with higher odds of illness reporting, poorer self-reported work ability, frequent self-reported disability, frequent consultations with a general practitioner, and with a higher risk of medically certified sickness absence spells |
Longitudinal (12) | High OJ was associated with a lower risk of short- and long-term sickness absence (with different follow-up durations) and a lower risk of disability pensioning (due to depression or to musculoskeletal diseases). Lack of pJ has been associated with refraining from seeking medical care (1-year follow-up) |
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Physical health | 14 | Cross-sectional (9) | High OJ has been linked to lower musculoskeletal symptoms, lower rates of chronic pain, lower somatic complaints, a smaller prevalence of some coronary heart disease risk factors, and less substance abuse (alcohol dependence and smoking rates) |
Longitudinal (5) | High OJ has been associated with lower cardiovascular heart disease incidence and mortality, a lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome, and levels of physiological health (immunoglobulin A levels) |
Absenteeism/presenteeism | 3 | Cross-sectional (3) | Higher OJ has also been related to lower levels of absenteeism and higher rates of presentism due to low back pain (pJ) |
Safety at work | 3 | Cross-sectional (3) | OJ has been associated cross-sectionally with higher safety behaviour, higher compliance with safety policies, and less occupational accident frequency |
Effects on the health of third parties | 2 | Cross-sectional (2) | Low rJ perceived by school staff was related to a higher risk of psychosomatic symptoms and depressive symptoms among pupils. Supervisors’ experience of interactional injustice was linked to subordinates’ higher rates of psychological distress and insomnia |
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