MASS PSYCHOGENIC ILLNESS IN A SHOE FACTORY - CASE-REPORT

An investigation was conducted in a USA industrial plant where 50-75 workers reported experiencing symptoms of headache, lightheadedness, and dizziness among others apparently in response to a strange odor in the workplace. Since environmental testing in the plant produced essentially negative results, a behavioral factors evaluation was undertaken. The results of interviews with affected workers and analysis of survey data indicated that those workers who reported experiencing more symptoms during the outbreak also reported more dissatisfaction with the work environment, more physical and psychological stress on the job, and more stress from financial pressure at home. It was concluded that the outbreak represented a case of industrial mass psychogenic illness which was precipitated by a combination of physical and psychological job stress and other life stresses. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.