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Volume 13, Issue 4 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomic 2026)
Iran J Ergon 2026, 13(4): 279-295 |
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Emamifar F, Kalani S. The Relationship between Employees' Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence and Occupational Depression: The Mediating Role of Perceived Job Insecurity and Perceived Job Fit. Iran J Ergon 2026; 13 (4) :279-295
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1117-en.html
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1117-en.html
1- Department of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran ,sd.kalani@edu.ui.ac.ir
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran ,
Abstract: (2121 Views)
Objectives: The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplace environments has transformed job structures, automated tasks, and altered employees' work experiences. This study aimed to examine the relationship between employees' attitudes toward AI and occupational depression, with the mediating roles of perceived job insecurity and perceived job fit.
Methods: In this descriptive–correlational study, 261 employees of the Telecommunication Company of Kerman Province, Iran, were selected using convenience sampling and completed the Schepman & Rodwav (2020) Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Scale, Nassasira (2020) Job Insecurity Questionnaire, Shafi Abadi and Rezaei (1997) Occupational Self-Concept Questionnaire, and Bianchi and Schonfeld (2020) Occupational Depression Inventory. The conceptual model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.
Results: Positive attitudes toward AI were associated with a significant reduction in occupational depression (b = -0.12, P = 0.038), decreased job insecurity (b = -0.501, P < 0.001), and increased job fit (b = 0.471, P < 0.001). Job insecurity showed a positive relationship with occupational depression (b = 0.417, P < 0.001), whereas job fit showed a negative relationship (b = -0.243, P < 0.001). Job insecurity (b = -0.209, P < 0.001) and job fit (b = -0.114, P = 0.002) mediated the relationship between attitudes toward AI and occupational depression.
Conclusion: A positive attitude toward AI reduces occupational depression by decreasing job insecurity and increasing job fit. These findings highlight the importance of fostering positive attitudes toward AI through training, role redesign, and transparent communication within organizations to strengthen employees' psychological security and perceived job fit.
Methods: In this descriptive–correlational study, 261 employees of the Telecommunication Company of Kerman Province, Iran, were selected using convenience sampling and completed the Schepman & Rodwav (2020) Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Scale, Nassasira (2020) Job Insecurity Questionnaire, Shafi Abadi and Rezaei (1997) Occupational Self-Concept Questionnaire, and Bianchi and Schonfeld (2020) Occupational Depression Inventory. The conceptual model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.
Results: Positive attitudes toward AI were associated with a significant reduction in occupational depression (b = -0.12, P = 0.038), decreased job insecurity (b = -0.501, P < 0.001), and increased job fit (b = 0.471, P < 0.001). Job insecurity showed a positive relationship with occupational depression (b = 0.417, P < 0.001), whereas job fit showed a negative relationship (b = -0.243, P < 0.001). Job insecurity (b = -0.209, P < 0.001) and job fit (b = -0.114, P = 0.002) mediated the relationship between attitudes toward AI and occupational depression.
Conclusion: A positive attitude toward AI reduces occupational depression by decreasing job insecurity and increasing job fit. These findings highlight the importance of fostering positive attitudes toward AI through training, role redesign, and transparent communication within organizations to strengthen employees' psychological security and perceived job fit.
Keywords: Employees' attitudes toward artificial intelligence, Job insecurity, Occupational depression, Perceived job fit
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Received: 2025/10/16 | Accepted: 2025/12/24 | ePublished: 2025/12/24
Received: 2025/10/16 | Accepted: 2025/12/24 | ePublished: 2025/12/24
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