Commuting, a daily reality for many, may have more significant implications for mental health than previously recognized, according to a comprehensive study involving over 23,000 participants. The research, conducted in South Korea, a country with notably lengthy average commuting times, indicates a 16 percent increase in the likelihood of depressive symptoms among individuals commuting for over an hour compared to those with shorter commutes under 30 minutes.
Led by Dong-Wook Lee, a public health researcher at Inha University in Korea, the study analyzed data from the Fifth Korean Working Condition Survey conducted. Participants, within working age, responded to questions based on the World Health Organization’s five-point well-being index, providing insights into their mental health.
The study’s findings revealed that the average daily commute time was 47 minutes, equivalent to almost four hours per week for a five-day work schedule. Of the 23,415 respondents, one-quarter reported experiencing depressive symptoms, although the study does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
While the analysis considered factors such as age, weekly work hours, income, occupation, and shift work, the study acknowledged limitations in accounting for individual risk factors like family history. The research also did not specify the modes of transport used for commuting, leaving room for future investigations into the impact of active transportation, such as cycling or walking, on mental health.
Notably, the study identified variations in the impact of extended commutes based on gender and individual circumstances. For men, the link between extended commutes and poorer mental health was more pronounced among those who were unmarried, worked over 52 hours per week, and had no children. Among women, long commuting times were most strongly associated with depressive symptoms among low-income workers, shift workers, and those with children.
The study underscores the potential implications of commuting on mental health, emphasizing that individuals with extended travel times may have limited opportunities to alleviate stress and combat physical fatigue through activities like sleep, hobbies, and other leisure pursuits.
While the research predated the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a significant shift in work patterns, the researchers noted that not everyone has the option to work from home. They suggest that reducing travel time and distance through improved transportation could enhance the commuting environment and contribute to better mental health outcomes, particularly for low-income workers.
