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The impact of night work on psychological well-being
This study tested the efficacy of selected personality, behavioural, and social/organizational variables as predictors of adaptation to night work. Sixty female student nurses were studied during their first IS months of shiftwork. Twenty-two worked on rotating day and afternoon shifts throughout, while the remaining 38 began regular night shifts after six months. Psychological symptoms were measured at baseline (Stage 1), six months (Stage 2) and 15 months (Stage 3). Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant shift group x symptoms interaction (p < 0·05) between Stages 2 and 3. Only the night workers displayed a significant increase (Tukey HSD: p < 0·01) in symptoms between Stages 1 and 3. Multiple regression analysis revealed that neuroticism and perceived work/nonwork conflict predicted symptoms at Stage 2. Night work, social support from supervisors, and morningness were predictors at Stage 3. These results suggest that organisational, behavioural, and physiological factors moderate the impact of night work on psychological well-being, and personality factors do not.
History
Publication title
ErgonomicsVolume
32Issue
9Pagination
1089-1099ISSN
0014-0139Department/School
TSBEPublisher
Taylor & Francis LtdPlace of publication
4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, England, Oxon, Ox14 4RnRights statement
Copyright 1989 Taylor 8t Francis Ltd.Repository Status
- Restricted