Psychosocial Working Conditions, Workplace Violence, and Mental Health Outcomes Among Seafarers

Introduction The maritime sector is moving toward more diverse crew compositions. While diversity-oriented crewing models may improve safety, inclusion, and team functioning, they may also introduce new vulnerabilities if organizational systems are insufficiently prepared. This study investigates the prevalence and occupational determinants of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among seafarers, with a focus on psychosocial working conditions. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,046 seafarers from an international fleet using an online questionnaire. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation were assessed using validated self-reported measures. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between mental health outcomes and occupational, interpersonal, and psychosocial factors. Results The results showed that the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation was 9.2%, 7.5%, and 4.7% respectively. Exposure to psychological violence only was associated with significantly higher odds of anxiety (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.08–3.96) and depression (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.18–4.49), while exposure to combined psychological and physical/sexual violence further elevated the risk of anxiety (OR = 6.92; 95% CI: 2.11–22.65), depression (OR = 5.53; 95% CI: 1.64–18.67), and suicidal ideation (OR = 4.32; 95% CI: 1.03–18.17). Having a fair distribution of workload was associated with lower odds of depression (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.23–0.79) and suicidal ideation (OR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.19–0.82), while reporting good working relationships with crew members reduced the odds of depression (OR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.13–0.95) and anxiety (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.10–0.78). High perceived social support was protective against depression (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.13–0.85). Conclusion Mental health outcomes are associated with workplace violence, workload distribution, working relationships, and social support. Interventions targeting leadership, bullying, workload distribution, psychological safety and reporting systems are needed.