Assessing the Prevalence, Determinants, and Impact of Mental Health in the American Construction Industry

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Olugbenro Ogunrinde, Jared Burgoon, Rachel Mosier and Tulio Sulbaran

Abstract

Mental health is a significant cause of suicide and disability worldwide. It has particularly affected the construction industry. The American construction industry, a vital economic sector, faces a significant but often unaddressed crisis regarding the mental health and well-being of its workforce. Synthesizing findings from multiple studies, this paper will critically examine the prevalence, causes, and impacts of mental health issues among construction workers and project professionals. Research consistently highlights the severe psychosocial work environment as a primary contributor to these issues. Key stressors include demanding schedules, long working hours, high job insecurity, tight deadlines, hazardous working conditions, and a pervasive culture that discourages the expression of vulnerability or the seeking of help. Studies confirm alarmingly construction industry high rates of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and elevated suicide risk, significantly greater than those in the general working population. Additionally, a lack of adequate social and organizational support aggravates the negative effects of work stress. These challenges have a tangible impact on operational outcomes, including reduced labor productivity, increased turnover, higher rates of accidents, and compromised project quality. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing organizational culture change, improved work-life balance, and the implementation of robust mental health support programs. The findings of this study produced in a framework will help deepen the understanding of professional mental health assessment scales and relevant factors as used in the construction industry.

Keyphrases: construction, mental health, suicide

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 1022-1031.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/fTlL
	https://doi.org/10.29007/sxzj

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Assessing_Prevalence_Determinants_Impact,
  author    = {Olugbenro Ogunrinde and Jared Burgoon and Rachel Mosier and Tulio Sulbaran},
  title     = {Assessing the Prevalence, Determinants, and Impact of Mental Health in the American Construction Industry},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/fTlL},
  doi       = {10.29007/sxzj},
  pages     = {1022-1031},
  year      = {2026}}

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