Life stress, anxiety, and depression in the workplace: evidence from non-governmental organization staff in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a critical role in delivering social services and advocacy; however, staff members often face high workloads and emotional demands that may affect their mental health and well-being. This study aimed to examine the levels of life stress, anxiety, and depression among NGO staff in Negeri Sembilan, and to explore the relationships between these variables. A total of 250 respondents from various NGOs participated in the study. Data were collected using the Holmes–Rahe Life Stress Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Descriptive statistics revealed that 56% of respondents reported moderate stress, 57.2% experienced moderate anxiety, and 40.4% were categorized as having moderate depression. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated a significant but weak positive relationship between life stress and depression (r = 0.198, p = 0.002), while the relationship between life stress and anxiety was not statistically significant (r = 0.108, p = 0.090). These findings highlight the need for workplace mental health policies and counselling interventions to reduce stress and prevent progression to severe mental health problems. Theoretically, the study contributes to understanding the interplay between occupational stressors and psychological outcomes in the NGO context. Practically, it underscores the importance of implementing structured mental health programs, training for stress management, and organizational support systems to enhance well-being and productivity among NGO staff. Future research should consider longitudinal and intervention-based approaches to develop tailored strategies for sustaining mental health in this sector.

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