Poor Work–Life Balance May Lead to Impaired Cognitive Function in Bus Drivers

Objective: This study aimed to investigate how work–life balance (WLB) corresponds to cognitive functions and which mental health conditions play a mediating role in this association among Korean bus drivers. Methods: The cognitive failures questionnaire (CFQ) was administered to 347 bus drivers in Seoul, Korea. The differences in the CFQ and WLB scores were examined by analysis of covariance, and a structural equation model (SEM) was constructed for investigating the mediating role of mental health indices between WLB and CFQ scores. Results: Compared with the highest subjective work–life balance group, the lowest group had significantly higher CFQ scores. In the SEM, anxiety was a mediating variable between subjective work–life balance and CFQ scores. Conclusions: Work–life balance is associated with cognitive failures among Korean bus drivers, and anxiety was a key mediating mental health indicator.