Declining levels of perceived justice at work are associated with which trend in health?

• A. Increased risk of poor health
• B. Significantly improved health
• C. No change in health
• D. Increased job satisfaction

Answer: (A)

When people feel that fairness at work is slipping, it acts as a stressor that can undermine health. Perceived organizational justice includes fairness of processes, outcomes, and interpersonal treatment. If these perceptions decline, employees experience greater psychological strain, a sense of loss of control, and reduced support, which over time trigger physiological stress responses—such as higher cortisol, inflammation, and blood pressure changes. These chronic stress effects are linked to poorer physical and mental health, sleep disturbances, and reduced well-being. That’s why declining perceived justice is associated with an increased risk of poor health, rather than improvements, no change, or higher job satisfaction.