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The effects of hospital closure on mental health workers: An overview of employment, mental and physical health, and attitudinal outcomes

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Abstract

This article examines the physical, psychological, and attitudinal impact of the closure of Central State Hospital (CSH) on its former employees. Eighty-five former CSH employees were interviewed at two points in time, preclosure and postclosure. Data on the psychological and physical health and employment attitudes of workers were collected prior to and eight months after organizational closure. Over time, workers had more positive attitudes about the hospital closure as well as reporting less depression, less work stress, and use of more coping strategies at postclosure. However, at postclosure, they also reported increased work conflict, lower income, and a more pessimistic outlook toward their future. Implications for hospital closure are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 801 West Michigan Street, 46202-5152, Indianapolis, IN

    Debra J. Mesch Ph.D. (Associate Professor)

  2. Department of Psychology at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, USA

    John H. McGrew Ph.D. (associate professor)

  3. Department of Sociology at Indiana University, Bloomington

    Bernice A. Pescosolido Ph.D. (Chancellors' Professor)

  4. Larue D. Carter Memorial Hospital, Indianapolis, IN

    Diana F. Haugh M.S., R.N. (superintendent)

Authors
  1. Debra J. Mesch Ph.D.
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  2. John H. McGrew Ph.D.
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  3. Bernice A. Pescosolido Ph.D.
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  4. Diana F. Haugh M.S., R.N.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Debra J. Mesch Ph.D..

Additional information

An earlier version of this article was presented at the American Public Health Association meetings, 1996, New York City.

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Mesch, D.J., McGrew, J.H., Pescosolido, B.A. et al. The effects of hospital closure on mental health workers: An overview of employment, mental and physical health, and attitudinal outcomes. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 26, 305–317 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02287275

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