Construction and validation of stressors in local political activity: An event-based study on predicting mayoral health

Olivier Torres; Mathieu LE Moal; F X Lesage

doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000003603

Construction and validation of stressors in local political activity: An event-based study on predicting mayoral health

J Occup Environ Med. 2025 Nov 6. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003603. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Olivier Torres¹, Mathieu LE Moal, F X Lesage²

Affiliations

¹ Université de Montpellier - MOMA, LabEx Entreprendre, MRM, Montpellier, France.
² Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, CHU, Montpellier, France.

PMID: 41196196
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003603

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify specific stressors within mayoral activities and to construct a mayors' life event inventory.

Methods: Two online questionnaires were administered at four-month intervals. The first one collecting verbatim related to the stressors experienced by mayors. The second one evaluating the intensity and occurrence of the different stressors identified.

Results: In total, we retained responses from 1,120 mayorsThe first questionnaire has identified 25 work-related and 9 personal life stressors (the cumulative stressor scale). The beta coefficients of the mediation analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between stressors and burnout. The total effect of stressors on burnout was substantial (β = 0.60, p < .001).

Conclusions: This study sheds light on the specific stressors that affect mayors in France, revealing a complex interplay between work-related and personal life challenges.

Keywords: burnout; life events inventory; mayor's health; stress.