"That work load should have no effect on risk of depression sounds downright whack." Then again, two of the summaries you quote actually suggest that things ha

"That work load should have no effect on risk of depression sounds downright whack." Then again, two of the summaries you quote actually suggest that things have a lot more to do with office politics and work environment. Think of it this way: if you've an infinitely long todo list, but no pressure whatsoever ("wake me up as you complete the tasks"), it's just an insurmountable amount of work that you'll grow used to never completing and you'll do as much as you can and be satisfied with yourself. Now, toss a boss into the equation -- one that tells you to get it all done by yesterday. Or put another way, one that essentially goes: "let me load your backpack with 50kg before I order you to swimm across this river". That can screw you up rather quickly. Especially if that boss's priorities change daily or hourly.