Examining variables of the job context as predictors of nurses’ demand appraisals

Scientific Conference (2023, May 26)

Research goals: The present study examined whether (a) time-related factors of the job context, namely working time and job tenure, predict nurses’ challenge/hindrance appraisals alongside job demands ... [more ▼]

Research goals: The present study examined whether (a) time-related factors of the job context, namely working time and job tenure, predict nurses’ challenge/hindrance appraisals alongside job demands themselves, and whether (b) both factors might act as boundary conditions of nurses’ workplace stressor appraisals. Theoretical background: Based on the transactional theory of stress (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984), studies have so far examined employees’ subjective evaluations of workplace stressors as challenging and/or hindering and their associations to different well-being outcomes (e.g., Webster et al., 2011). Although these studies have helped us to get a more nuanced insight into work-related demands and how they may affect employees, little is known on the question of whether the job context itself might shape how employees experience certain workplace stressors (LePine, 2022). Yet, knowing whether contextual factors of the job might impact employees’ stress appraisal may help us to handle the negative effects of such job stressors (LePine, 2022). Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the role specific contextual variables of the job play as regards to nurses’ subjective appraisals of job demands as challenges and/or hindrances. Design/Methodology/Approach/Intervention: The current study was conducted as part of a broad scientific project on nurses’ working conditions in Luxemburg. Cross-sectional data was collected via an online survey (French/German). The effective sample consisted of 460 nurses (76.9 % female, n = 352; Mage = 39.40, SDage = 9.95). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS (version 25) and the PROCESS macro for SPSS (Hayes, 2018). To examine the associations between job demands, contextual variables and appraisals, a total of four simple moderation analyses (Model#2; Hayes, 2018) were conducted with challenge and hindrance appraisal as the criterion variables. Per criterion variable we performed two moderation analyses (i.e., one including time pressure as predictor, one including emotional demands as predictor). Working time and job tenure were specified as the moderator variables and were jointly introduced into the regression models. Predictor and moderator variables were mean centered prior analysis. Results: Regression analyses showed that time pressure and emotional demands significantly related to their challenge (for time pressure: b = -.19, p < .001; for emotional demands: b = -.11, p < .05) and hindrance appraisals (for time pressure: b = .33, p <.001; for emotional demands: b = .32, p < .001). Moreover, job tenure significantly predicted nurses’ appraisal of time pressure as challenging (b = -.001, p < .05). In other words, an increased job tenure went along with a decreased perception of time pressure as challenging. Yet, working time did not significantly predict nurses’ appraisals of job demands (i.e., time pressure, emotional demands). Furthermore, we did not detect significant interaction effects. Limitations: The current study focused on two time-related factors of the job context (job tenure and working time) as predictors of nurses’ appraisals. Yet, other contextual factors of the job (e.g., shift work, breaks) might affect how employees appraise certain demands. Moreover, we implemented a cross-sectional design precluding a causal interpretation. Conclusions: The current research identified time-related, contextual factors of the job, which contribute to how nurses appraise specific job demands. Results suggest that nurses with a higher job tenure experience time pressure at work as less of a challenge. This might suggest that they may be better at coping/dealing with time pressure at work than their colleagues with fewer years working in nursing. Note, however, that nurses’ self-reported working time was unrelated to their challenge and hindrance appraisals of job demands. These findings suggest that scholars might need to adopt a more differentiated perspective when conducting research on time-related, contextual factors of the job and their role within the stress appraisal process. [less ▲]

Examining the challenge-hindrance-threat distinction of job demands alongside job resources.

in Frontiers in Psychology (2023), 14(1011815),

Purpose: Previous research conducted on the Job Demands-Resources model has mostly ignored the newly introduced Challenge-Hindrance-Threat distinction of workplace stressors. Thus, to better understand ... [more ▼]

Purpose: Previous research conducted on the Job Demands-Resources model has mostly ignored the newly introduced Challenge-Hindrance-Threat distinction of workplace stressors. Thus, to better understand the nature of job demands, the present study aimed to explore this distinction of job demands within the framework of the Job Demands-Resources model. Moreover, it examined competing theoretical frameworks by investigating the associations between job characteristics and psychological health variables (i.e., burnout, vigor). Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected via computer assisted telephone interview among a representative sample of employees working in Luxembourg (n = 1,506). Findings: Structural Equation Modeling supported the distinctiveness of the proposed demand categories in terms of their effects. The health impairing nature of threats, hindrances, and challenges, as well as the motivational potential of resources was supported. Yet, scarce support was found for the moderating effects of demands and resources on employees’ well-being. Research implications: Based on these findings, we argue for an extended framework of job characteristics, which will more accurately describe their nature and effects on employees. Practical implications: In order to promote employee’s well-being, occupational health advisors need to be aware of the distinct demand-wellbeing relations when implementing job redesign measures. Originality/value: Combining multiple theoretical frameworks is considered a leading principle in occupational health research. The present study implements an extended classification framework of workplace stressors into one of today’s most influential theoretical framework of job characteristics. [less ▲]

Mindfulness extends the trans-contextual model for autonomous motivation in physical education and leisuretime

in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022), 19(20),

Mindfulness is assumed to foster the ability to consistently act in line with one’s authentic self; a skill which has been found to enhance students’ autonomous motivated behavior in the educational ... [more ▼]

Mindfulness is assumed to foster the ability to consistently act in line with one’s authentic self; a skill which has been found to enhance students’ autonomous motivated behavior in the educational context. However, evidence regarding how mindfulness can be integrated into existing conceptual frameworks such as the trans-contextual model is scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the role of mindfulness in students’ autonomous motivation in the school and leisure time contexts. Overall, N = 1877 students (M = 14.74 years, SD = 2.63) indicated their self-reported mindfulness, their perceived need for support in physical education, their autonomous motivation during physical education and leisure time, as well as their perceived behavioral control, attitude, subjective norm, and intention toward physical activity. Physical activity was additionally measured physiologically for n = 240 students using accelerometers. Path model analyses revealed that the inclusion of mindfulness substantially improved the trans-contextual model fit. Perceived autonomy support positively predicted mindfulness, which, in turn, predicted autonomous motivation in physical education and leisure time, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Furthermore, mediation analyses revealed the significant indirect effects of mindfulness on physiological and self-reported physical activity. Based on these results, mindfulness can be considered a key factor in fostering students’ motivation to become physically active. [less ▲]

The relationship between COVID-19 countermeasures at the workplace and psychological well-being. Findings from a nationally representative sample of Luxembourgish employees

in Current Psychology (2022)

The COVID-19 pandemic has massively changed people’s working lives all over the world. While various studies investigated the effects from pandemic-induced unemployment and telecommuting, there is a lack ... [more ▼]

The COVID-19 pandemic has massively changed people’s working lives all over the world. While various studies investigated the effects from pandemic-induced unemployment and telecommuting, there is a lack of research regarding the impact of workplace COVID-19 countermeasures on well-being and mental health for employees who are still working on site. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of workplace COVID-19 countermeasures in organizations in Luxembourg. A person-centered approach was applied in order to explore how employees’ psychological well-being and health (i.e., general psychological well-being, vigor, work satisfaction, work-related burnout, somatic complaints, fear of COVID-19 infection) are impacted by organizational countermeasures and whether there are certain employee groups that are less protected by these. Results of a latent class analysis revealed four different classes (Low level of countermeasures, Medium level of countermeasures, High level of countermeasures, High level of countermeasures low distance). Employees working in a healthcare setting were more likely than employees working in a non-healthcare setting to be members of the High level of countermeasures low distance class. Class membership was meaningfully associated with all well-being outcomes. Members of the High level of countermeasures class showed the highest level of well-being, whereas Members of the Low level of countermeasures class and the High level of countermeasures low distance class showed the lowest level of well-being. Policy makers and organizations are recommended to increase the level of COVID-19 countermeasures as an adjunctive strategy to prevent and mitigate adverse mental health and well-being outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. [less ▲]

Arbeitnehmer in Luxemburg wünschen sich verstärkt eine Reduktion ihrer vertraglichen Arbeitszeit

E-print/Working paper (2022)

Im Rahmen dieser Newsletter wird aufgezeigt, wie sich die gewünschte Wochenarbeitszeit von Arbeitnehmern sowie die Differenz zwischen gewünschter Wochenarbeitszeit und vertraglicher Wochenarbeitszeit in ... [more ▼]

Im Rahmen dieser Newsletter wird aufgezeigt, wie sich die gewünschte Wochenarbeitszeit von Arbeitnehmern sowie die Differenz zwischen gewünschter Wochenarbeitszeit und vertraglicher Wochenarbeitszeit in den vergangenen Jahren in Luxemburg entwickelt haben. Dabei zeigt sich, dass der Anteil an Arbeitnehmern, die gerne weniger arbeiten würden, zwischen 2018 und 2021 deutlich gestiegen ist (von 32,8% auf 43,9%). Die Arbeitnehmer, die gerne weniger pro Woche arbeiten würden, möchten im Durchschnitt etwa 8 Stunden weniger arbeiten. Diese Entwicklungen fallen jedoch differenziert nach verschiedenen Arbeitnehmer-Gruppen unterschiedlich aus. So wünschen sich Arbeitnehmer im Vergleich zu Arbeitnehmerinnen konstant eine längere Arbeitszeit. Differenziert nach Alter, sind es vor allem die ältesten Arbeitnehmer, die sich im Durchschnitt die kürzeste Wochenarbeitszeit wünschen. Arbeitnehmer, die gerne weniger arbeiten würden, berichten tendenziell auch über schlechtere Arbeitsbedingungen im Vergleich zu Arbeitnehmern, deren gewünschte Arbeitszeit mit ihrer vertraglichen Arbeitszeit übereinstimmt. Auch berichten Arbeitnehmer, die gerne weniger pro Woche arbeiten würden, über ein geringeres Wohlbefinden. [less ▲]

Nimmt die Beschäftigungsqualität in Luxemburg ab?

E-print/Working paper (2022)

Im Rahmen dieser Newsletter wird aufgezeigt wie sich die verschiedenen Dimensionen der Beschäftigungsqualität in den vergangenen 6 Jahren in Luxemburg entwickelt haben. Dabei zeigt sich, dass die ... [more ▼]

Im Rahmen dieser Newsletter wird aufgezeigt wie sich die verschiedenen Dimensionen der Beschäftigungsqualität in den vergangenen 6 Jahren in Luxemburg entwickelt haben. Dabei zeigt sich, dass die Einkommenszufriedenheit und die wahrgenommenen Ausbildungsmöglichkeiten über die Zeit insgesamt eher abgenommen, und die Work-Life-Konflikte zugenommen haben. Diese Entwicklungen fallen differenziert nach verschiedenen Arbeitnehmer-Gruppen unterschiedlich aus. Beispielsweise haben Work-Life-Konflikte bei Arbeitnehmerinnen stärker zugenommen als bei Arbeitnehmern. Arbeitnehmer mit Kindern wiederum berichten im Vergleich zu Arbeitnehmer ohne Kinder über einen Rückgang der Beförderungsmöglichkeiten. Arbeitnehmer in staatlichen Organisationen weisen über die Zeit konstant höhere Werte bei Einkommenszufriedenheit, Ausbildungsmöglichkeiten und Arbeitsplatzsicherheit auf, im Vergleich zu Arbeitnehmern in privaten Unternehmen oder sonstigen Organisationen. Ergänzend zeigt sich, dass die Dimensionen der Beschäftigungsqualität mit verschiedenen Wohlbefindens-Dimensionen assoziiert sind. Insbesondere weisen höhere Work-Life-Konflikte Zusammenhänge mit geringerer Arbeitsmotivation, geringerer Arbeitszufriedenheit und geringerem generellem Well-Being, sowie erhöhtem Burnoutniveau und verstärkten Gesundheitsproblemen auf. [less ▲]

Anger

in Maggino, F (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research (2022)

Die rassismussensible Schule - ein Vorwort

in Böhmer, Matthias; Steffgen, Georges (Eds.) Rassismus an Schulen - Geschichte, Erklärungen, Auswirkungen und Interventionsansätze (2022)

Cybermobbing und die gesundheitlichen Folgen für Kinder und Jugendliche

in Heinen, Andreas; Samuel, Robin; Vögele, Claus (Eds.) et al Wohlbefinden und Gesundheit im Jugendalter - Theoretische Perspektiven, empirische Befunde und Praxisansätze (2022)

Grief in schools - Basic knowledge and advice on dealing with dying and death

Book published by Springer (2022)