Symptoms of occupational stress in construction professionals: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Construction professionals are particularly vulnerable to stress due to the demanding and high-risk nature of their work. However, they often remain unaware of their elevated stress levels, which can lead to negative consequences for both their personal well-being and overall job performance. Despite the significance, there has been limited research on stress among construction professionals. This study aims to conduct a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify stress symptoms among construction professionals. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method filtered the search from 216 articles to 22. The studies were screened based on inclusion criteria, and relevant data were categorised into psychological, behavioural, and physical/physiological symptoms. The analysis identified 41 psychological symptoms (such as anxiety, depression, and irritability), 44 individual behavioural symptoms (including changes in eating and sleeping patterns and increased substance use), nine organisational behavioural symptoms (such as absenteeism and high turnover rates), and 20 physical/physiological symptoms (including headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue). The findings highlight the extensive impact of stress on construction professionals' mental, emotional, and physical health. The paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by categorising stress symptoms and emphasising the need for holistic stress management strategies. It offers practical insights for employers, policymakers, and healthcare providers to develop targeted interventions to enhance the well-being and productivity of construction professionals. The findings also provide a foundation for future research to explore the long-term effects of stress and evaluate the efficacy of interventions in this high-risk population.