Perceived unfairness and employee health: a meta-analytic integration

J Appl Psychol. 2012 Mar;97(2):235-72. doi: 10.1037/a0025408. Epub 2011 Sep 19.

Abstract

A growing body of research has suggested that the experience of injustice, psychological contract breach, or unfairness can adversely impact an employee's health. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the effects of unfairness perceptions on health, examining types of fairness and methodological characteristics as moderators. Results suggested that perceptions of unfairness were associated with indicators of physical and mental health. Furthermore, psychological contract breach contributed to the prediction of strain-related indicators of health above and beyond that accounted for by injustice alone.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Employment / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Employment / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Occupational Health*
  • Organizational Culture*
  • Social Justice / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Social Justice / psychology*
  • Social Perception*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*