The association between digitalization and mental health: The mediating role of wellbeing at work

Abstract

The study aims to measure the mediating relationship of wellbeing at work between digitalization (IT infrastructure, IT business spanning, and IT proactive stance) and their effect on mental health. The study uses primary data collection techniques to gather data and used purposive sampling to analyse the data. The sample size of the study is 349 respondents. The research uses Smart PLS software to measure the relationship through bootstrapping and algorithms. The study finds a significant positive mediating role of wellbeing between digitalization (IT infrastructure, IT business spanning, and IT proactive stance) and their effect on mental health. The study outcomes are helpful for managers and policymakers.
Introduction

In the past decades, technological advancement has profoundly altered global work practices with innovative developments. Significantly, the disruptive digital landscape has become the impetus for novel digitization, substantially overriding traditional digital tools with modern interventions. In recent years, the twenty-first-century modern technological revolution has developed promising digital capabilities to cover humans’ personal and professional lives, potentially bringing positive health outcomes (1). Digitalization is a novel phenomenon that has elevated the use of information technology across various domains. There has been strong demand for its application in the healthcare sector. However, in recent years, the mental health of frontline workers has not received adequate attention despite healthcare being a highly competitive industry in which employees are exposed to significant psychological challenges (2). As such, this literature states that as healthcare psychological problems are accelerating, it has become essential to focus on their impairing impact on employees’ overall mental health (3, 4).
Mental health in relation to technology has become a prime interest of current researchers, with some researchers signalling the potential for the use of technology to considerably improve employees’ mental health. While in recent years, technology adoption has been shown to bring promising health outcomes in many fields, unfortunately, the value of digital capabilities has not been realized in the healthcare industry (5). One study states that the emerging role of digitalization in the healthcare sector is vital, thus highlighting the need to realize and understand the association between IT capabilities and employees’ psychological wellness (6).
The technological solutions implemented across medical domains (e.g., medicine and psychology) are of increasing interest to researchers in terms of novel innovations. Digitalization, a technology-driven notion, has diffused its characteristics into the origin of the healthcare sector. Novel IT capabilities have allowed healthcare organizations to adapt to changing working conditions, thus supporting employees’ mental health (7).

QUESTION 1 (20 Marks)

Critically discuss the research methodologies employed in the study. In your response, analyse the research philosophy, research design, and identify the research strategies used. Thereafter provide a detailed discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of these methodologies.

QUESTION 2 (20 Marks)

Analyse the theoretical framework applied in the study. Additionally, develop a conceptual framework based on the study’s objectives and findings.

QUESTION 3 (20 Marks)

Recommend alternative research methodologies that the researchers could have employed in the study. Additionally expound on the advantages and disadvantages of these alternatives in comparison to the methods used in the study.

QUESTION 4 (20 Marks)

Examine the data collection and data analysis techniques adopted for the study. Thereafter, suggest the alternative techniques that could have been adopted.

QUESTION 5 (20 Marks)

Analyse the sampling techniques used in the study, and assess their advantages. Additionally, consider alternative sampling techniques that could have been employed in the study.

Answers to Above Questions on Mental Health

Answer 1: An analysis of the research methodology that is employed in the given study indicates that research philosophy that is followed is positivism research philosophy whereas the research design utilized is quantitative research design. In terms of research strategies, the research makes use of primary data collection through surveys.