Does Job Control Moderate Work Demands’ Nonlinear Association With Job Strain? A Two-Sample Study Using Human Service Case Managers

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between job strain and subsequent cognitive change over approximately 11 years, using data from the population-based Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area follow-up study.MethodsThe sample ranged from 555 to 563 participants, depending on the outcome, who reported psychosocial characteristics corresponding to the full-time job they held at baseline (1993–1996). Overall cognitive performance was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and verbal memory was measured by the ImmediateWord Recall Task and Delayed Word Recall Task at baseline and follow-up (2004–2005). Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between job strain and cognitive change, and inverse probability weighting was used to account for differential attrition.ResultsParticipants with high job demands (psychological or physical demands) and/or low job control had greater decrease in the MMSE and memory scores than those with low job demands and high job control. After adjustment for baseline outcome scores, age and sex, the greatest decrease was observed in participants with high job demands and low job control (MMSE: −0.24, 95% CI −0.36 to –0.11; verbal memory scores: −0.26, 95% CI −0.44 to –0.07). The differences were partially explained by sociodemographic characteristics, occupational prestige and health factors.ConclusionsFindings from this prospective study suggest that job strain is associated with and may be a potential modifiable risk factor for adverse cognitive outcomes.

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Prospective study of job stress and risk of infections in Swedish adults

Occupational and Environmental Medicine ◽

10.1136/oemed-2020-106489 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 77 (10) ◽

pp. 681-690

Author(s):

Francesca Ghilotti ◽

Torbjörn Åkerstedt ◽

Rino Bellocco ◽

Hans-Olov Adami ◽

Ylva Trolle Lagerros

Keyword(s):

Job Strain ◽

Cox Model ◽

Job Control ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Swedish Version ◽

Work Related ◽

Job Demand ◽

National Patient ◽

Related Stress ◽

Tract Infections

ObjectivesPsychological stress may influence both susceptibility and severity of infections. Although work-related stress is a widespread concern among many employees, few studies have been conducted with the focus on work stressors and infections. We therefore aimed to investigate this association in a prospective cohort study.MethodsOur study included 25 029 employed individuals who filled-out a questionnaire in September 1997 and were followed through record linkages until retirement or December 2016. Work stress was assessed at baseline using a Swedish version of the Demand-Control Questionnaire, whereas hospital contacts related to infections were identified from the National Patient Register. We fitted extensions of the standard Cox model to account for recurrent infections.ResultsIn total, we observed 8257 infections. Individuals in the third tertile of job demand had a 13% higher hazard of infections (HR=1.13; 95% CI=1.03 to 1.24) compared with individuals in the first tertile, specifically an increased incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (HR=1.15; 95% CI=1.00 to 1.33) and urinary tract infections (HR=1.31; 95% CI=1.09 to 1.57) was found. Employees with the highest job control (third tertile) had no lower risk of infections than individuals in the lowest tertile (HR=1.02; 95% CI=0.92 to 1.13). When combining the demand and control dimensions into job strain scale, no association between high job strain and infections was observed (HR=1.08; 95% CI=0.97 to 1.21).ConclusionHigh job demand, but not low job control, is associated with an increased occurrence of infections. No difference was observed in workers with high strain jobs compared with those with low strain jobs.

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Work Demands Influencing Job Satisfaction: Testing for the Moderating Effects of Job Control Within Non-profit Employees

US-China Law Review ◽

10.17265/1548-6605/2021.01.004 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Akanksha Anand ◽

Kenrick D. Cato

Keyword(s):

Job Satisfaction ◽

Job Control ◽

Work Demands ◽

Moderating Effects ◽

Non Profit

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Psychosocial working conditions and the risk of diagnosed depression: a Swedish register-based study

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s003329172100060x ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Melody Almroth ◽

Tomas Hemmingsson ◽

Alma Sörberg Wallin ◽

Katarina Kjellberg ◽

Bo Burström ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cox Regression ◽

Job Strain ◽

Job Demands ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Job Control ◽

Psychiatric Diagnoses ◽

Men And Women ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Psychosocial Workload ◽

Objectively Measured

Abstract Background High job demands, low job control, and their combination (job strain) may increase workers' risk of depression. Previous research is limited by small populations, not controlling for previous depression, and relying on the same informant for reporting exposure and outcome. This study aims to examine the relationship between objectively measured workplace factors and the risk of developing clinical depression among the Swedish working population while controlling for previous psychiatric diagnoses and sociodemographic factors. Methods Control, demands, and job strain were measured using the Swedish Job Exposure Matrix (JEM) measuring psychosocial workload linked to around 3 million individuals based on their occupational titles in 2005. Cox regression models were built to estimate associations between these factors and diagnoses of depression recorded in patient registers. Results Lower job control was associated with an increased risk of developing depression (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.39–1.48 and HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.24–1.30 for men and women with the lowest control, respectively), and this showed a dose–response relationship among men. Having high job demands was associated with a slight decrease in depression risk for men and women. High strain and passive jobs (both low control jobs) were associated with an increased risk of depression among men, and passive jobs were associated with an increased risk among women. Conclusion High job control appears important for reducing the risk of developing depression even when accounting for previous psychiatric diagnoses and sociodemographic factors. This is an important finding concerning strategies to improve occupational and in turn mental health.

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Job Strain in Physical Therapists

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20080322 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 89 (9) ◽

pp. 946-956 ◽

Cited By ~ 46

Author(s):

Marc A. Campo ◽

Sherri Weiser ◽

Karen L. Koenig

Keyword(s):

Work Environment ◽

Job Stress ◽

Job Strain ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Job Demands ◽

Psychosocial Work Environment ◽

Job Control ◽

Psychosocial Work ◽

Work Related

BackgroundJob stress has been associated with poor outcomes. In focus groups and small-sample surveys, physical therapists have reported high levels of job stress. Studies of job stress in physical therapy with larger samples are needed.ObjectiveThe purposes of this study were: (1) to determine the levels of psychological job demands and job control reported by physical therapists in a national sample, (2) to compare those levels with national norms, and (3) to determine whether high demands, low control, or a combination of both (job strain) increases the risk for turnover or work-related pain.DesignThis was a prospective cohort study with a 1-year follow-up period.MethodsParticipants were randomly selected members of the American Physical Therapy Association (n=882). Exposure assessments included the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), a commonly used instrument for evaluation of the psychosocial work environment. Outcomes included job turnover and work-related musculoskeletal disorders.ResultsCompared with national averages, the physical therapists reported moderate job demands and high levels of job control. About 16% of the therapists reported changing jobs during follow-up. Risk factors for turnover included high job demands, low job control, job strain, female sex, and younger age. More than one half of the therapists reported work-related pain. Risk factors for work-related pain included low job control and job strain.LimitationsThe JCQ measures only limited dimensions of the psychosocial work environment. All data were self-reported and subject to associated bias.ConclusionsPhysical therapists’ views of their work environments were positive, including moderate levels of demands and high levels of control. Those therapists with high levels of demands and low levels of control, however, were at increased risk for both turnover and work-related pain. Physical therapists should consider the psychosocial work environment, along with other factors, when choosing a job.

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Work Demands and Work Resources: Testing a Model of Factors Predicting Turnover Intentions in Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Journal ◽

10.1007/s10643-021-01166-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

C. Heilala ◽

M. Kalland ◽

M. Lundkvist ◽

M. Forsius ◽

L. Vincze ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Early Childhood Education ◽

Turnover Intentions ◽

Job Strain ◽

Job Demands ◽

High Rate ◽

Work Demands ◽

Childhood Education ◽

Education And Care ◽

Leadership Satisfaction

AbstractWe studied the working conditions in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). The aim was to explore how ECEC staff experience work demands and resources and how these relate to turnover intentions. The research was based on a modified Job Demands-Resources model (Bakker and Demerouti in J Manage Psychol 22(3):309-328, 2007) according to which job strain is influenced by both job demands and resources. The sample was identified through trade union registers and the data were collected via a survey (N = 538). The findings show a rather high proportion of turnover intentions. Both general workload and emotional workload were related to turnover intentions, and they were mediated by participation. However, leadership satisfaction did not mediate the relationship between workload and turnover intentions. This study contributes to the knowledge on risk factors related to intentions to leave the ECEC profession in the Finnish as well as the international context. It is urgent to know more about factors related to turnover because a high rate undermines trust in the ECEC sector and negatively impacts staff and children.

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Job Strain and Late-Life Cognition: Findings From the Puerto Rican Elderly Health Conditions Study

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/0898264320977329 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 089826432097732

Author(s):

Taylor F. D. Vigoureux ◽

Monica E. Nelson ◽

Ross Andel ◽

Brent J. Small ◽

Ana Luisa Dávila-Roman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Puerto Rican ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Job Strain ◽

Puerto Ricans ◽

Cognitive Change ◽

Job Control ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Job Content Questionnaire ◽

Elderly Health ◽

Job Content

Objectives: We examined associations between job strain and cognitive aging in a sample of older Puerto Ricans. Methods: Members of the Puerto Rican Elderly: Health Conditions study, aged 60–100 years at baseline, participated. Job strain indicators were quantified from O*NET ( n = 1632) and a matrix of Job Content Questionnaire scores (JCQ; n = 1467). Global cognition was assessed twice across 4 years. Results: Controlling for age, sex, depressive symptoms, financial problems, hypertension, diabetes, childhood economic hardship, low job control and high job strain were consistently associated with greater cognitive decline. Adding education attenuated these associations. High education strengthened the JCQ job control-cognitive change link. Discussion: Low job control and high job strain may accelerate cognitive aging in this population. However, it may be more difficult to disentangle the intersecting roles of education and job strain in cognitive aging among older Puerto Ricans relative to older adults from contiguous United States or Europe.

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Association Between Long-Term Job Strain and Metabolic Syndrome Factor Across Sex and Occupation

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001.27.3.151 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 151-161 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Marja-Liisa Kinnunen ◽

Taru Feldt ◽

Ulla Kinnunen ◽

Jaakko Kaprio ◽

Lea Pulkkinen

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Job Strain ◽

White Collar ◽

Occupational Group ◽

Job Control ◽

The Metabolic Syndrome ◽

White Collar Workers ◽

Low Levels

The present study investigated whether long-term job strain increases the prevalence of risk for metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, across sex and occupation. The participants (64 men, 62 women) were drawn from the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development, Finland. Job strain was measured by a combination of high job demands and low job control ( Karasek, 1979 ) at ages 36 and 42. Metabolic syndrome was measured at age 42. The results indicated that both sex and occupational group moderated the association between long-term job strain and the metabolic syndrome factor but in an unexpected way. In women, low long-term job strain was associated with higher levels of the metabolic syndrome factor. Among white-collar workers high long-term job strain was related to low levels of the metabolic syndrome factor. Hence, more research is needed to identify additional potential moderators of long-term job strain on metabolic syndrome across sex and occupation.

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