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A process model of shiftwork and health.
C S Smith1, C Robie, S Folkard
1Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Green, Ohio 43403, USA. cssmith@bgnet.bgsu.edu
Journal of Occupational Health Psychology
|August 4, 1999
Summary
This study presents a model for shiftwork adaptation, linking individual factors to health issues like digestive and cardiovascular symptoms through sleep and social disturbances. The model was validated across nurse and industrial worker samples.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Shiftwork is common and associated with significant health consequences.
- Adaptation to shiftwork involves complex interactions between individual and situational factors.
- Previous models have not fully captured the pathway from shiftwork to chronic health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test a process model of adaptation to shiftwork.
- To identify key variables influencing sleep, social, and domestic disturbances.
- To examine the link between these disturbances, coping behaviors, and chronic health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Developed a process model of shiftwork adaptation.
- Collected survey data from two large samples of nurses (N=1,532) in the UK.
- Cross-validated the model using data from a sample of industrial workers (N=370).
Main Results:
- The developed model demonstrated support across all three samples.
- Individual and situational variables were found to influence sleep and social disturbances.
- These disturbances, along with coping behaviors, predicted proximal outcomes and chronic health symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The model provides a robust framework for understanding shiftwork adaptation.
- Findings have direct implications for developing targeted interventions for shift workers.
- Further research should explore sample-specific and subgroup effects within the model.