The Influence of Mental Health on Employment Among Ethnic Minorities and Immigrants: A Canadian Context


Adam Mursal, University of Waterloo

This research delves into the intricate interplay between mental health, employment, and diversity, with a specific emphasis on ethnic minorities and immigrants within the Canadian context. Acknowledging the significance of cultural factors in shaping the experience of mental health and employment outcomes, this study utilizes robust statistical analyses drawn from the 2015 General Social Survey conducted by Statistics Canada. It seeks to address a notable gap in current Canadian research by exploring the nuanced dynamics of mental health, human capital, and employment within the context of ethnic diversity and immigration. Building upon the Health as Human Capital Theory, initially developed by Becker (1964) and expanded by Grossman (1972), this research framework advances a positive correlation between good health and labor force participation. The study extends this framework to encompass the unique challenges and opportunities faced by ethnic minorities and immigrants, acknowledging the diverse cultural contexts that influence mental health and employment outcomes. The primary objective of this study is to examine the statistical significance of mental health and psychological disability status on employment outcomes in Canada, with a specific focus on how these factors intersect with ethnicity and immigrant status. Through logistic regression analysis, the research aims to unravel the complex threads connecting mental health to various demographic factors, such as income, age, gender, education, marital status, ethnicity, and immigrant status. This comprehensive approach enriches our understanding of the multifaceted dimensions influencing labor force participation among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Drawing on the 2015 General Social Survey data with a sample size of 17,390, this research employs logistic regression modeling to scrutinize the relationships between mental health, human capital variables, and employment status. In addition to the core variables of mental or psychological disability status and employment status, the study incorporates control variables that encompass ethnicity, immigrant status, education attainment, age, gender, income, marital status, country of birth, occupation, self-rated health, self-rated stress, rural/urban status, and terms of employment. The findings of the study reveal a compelling association between mental health disability status and employment outcomes, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by ethnic minorities and immigrants. Individuals reporting mental health challenges, particularly from these groups, exhibit a 34% reduced likelihood of being employed. The study identifies correlations between mental health and various socio-demographic factors, shedding light on the intricate web of influences on employment outcomes for ethnic minorities and immigrants. The study advocates for targeted policy interventions aimed at addressing the intersectionality of mental health, ethnicity, and immigrant status in employment outcomes. Recommendations include culturally sensitive workplace accommodations, tailored Employment Assistance Programs (EAPs) for diverse populations, and initiatives promoting mental health awareness within ethnic and immigrant communities. These policy imperatives align with broader efforts to foster inclusivity, support mental health in diverse workplaces, and cultivate resilience within the Canadian workforce.

This paper will be presented at the following session: