Validation of Alternative Formulations of Job Strain

Abstract: Validation of Alternative Formulations of Job Strain: Delphine S.COURVOISIER, et al. Clinical Epidemiology Division, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland-Objective: To examine the construct validity of different formulations of job strain b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Occupational Health 2010, Vol.52 (1), p.5-13
Main Authors: Courvoisier, Delphine S., Perneger, Thomas V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Construct validity
Employment - psychology
Factor Analysis, Statistical
Female
Humans
Job Content Questionnaire
Job strain
Karasek
Male
Mentoring programs
Middle Aged
Occupational health
Occupational stress
Personnel, Hospital - psychology
Questionnaires
Stress, Psychological - diagnosis
Surveys and Questionnaires - standards
Switzerland
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Summary:Abstract: Validation of Alternative Formulations of Job Strain: Delphine S.COURVOISIER, et al. Clinical Epidemiology Division, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland-Objective: To examine the construct validity of different formulations of job strain based on the demand-control(-support) model in the context of a hospital-based survey. Methods: We defined the best measure of job strain as the one that would be better predicted by professional status and job characteristics and better predict health outcomes, stress and back-pain leave. We received 1,298 responses from collaborators at the University Hospitals of Geneva who responded to a questionnaire survey including all the constructs cited above and the Job Content Questionnaire. Results: The difference between decision latitude and psychological demands (strain by subtraction), corresponded to the definition of the best measure of job strain and significantly, albeit weakly, predicted all outcomes. The logarithmic approach was the second best measure of job strain and was in fact a better predictor of stress. Conclusions: We would encourage researchers to explore different formulations of job strain, in particular the subtraction approach, to compute strain from demands and decision latitude.
ISSN:1341-9145
1348-9585
1348-9585
DOI:10.1539/joh.L9084