The moderating effect of employment status on the relationship between lifetime major depressive disorder and positive mental health

Introduction: This paper aims to examine the (1) level of positive mental health (PMH), (2) identify socio-demographic correlates PMH domains in general population, and (3) establish if employment status moderates relationship between major depressive disorder (MDD) among those with a lifetime prevalence MDD. Methods: The Singapore Mental Health Study conducted 2016 2018 included residents aged ≥18 years. World Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 was utilised Moderation analysis using SPSS PROCESS macro (Hayes, 2017) assess moderated MDD PMH. Results: Significantly lower total domain scores were reported by respondents (n=2,270) who endorsed compared did not. demonstrated that effect on varied considerably across status. Based interaction plots, both minimal employed than unemployed. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals should support needs report provide care for an individual’s well-being holistic manner. Acquiring or remaining would be priority depending individual. Reducing barriers issues creating opportunities this group are concerns need addressed at societal level. Keywords: Depression, employment, health,