Mental health and sick leave from a life course perspective - mapping trajectories from childhood to retirement age (IDA Work project)

Chronic lifespan problems such as mental health problems and recurrent pain tend to interfere with an individual’s engagement in working life. But there are differences in how such health problems affect work ability. Which risk and buffering factors are important for predicting sick leave and disability pension for individuals with mental health problems?

This project aims to map lifelong trajectories of mental health, recurrent pain, work ability and sick leave. We will analyze the IDA program data – a unique longitudinal study which has followed a cohort from age 10 to currently age 68. We will also apply life course interview methods to describe and qualitatively understand the lifelong vulnerabilities and resilience in experiencing mental health problems, recurrent pain and reduced work ability.