Type A behavior and work situation: associations with burnout and work engagement
Ulrika E Hallberg1, Gunn Johansson, Wilmar B Schaufeli
1Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. ulrika.eriksson.hallberg@ki.se
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
|April 14, 2007
Summary
Type A behavior, particularly irritability, is linked to burnout in IT consultants. Achievement striving, however, correlates positively with work engagement, suggesting a nuanced relationship.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health Psychology
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Type A behavior is a personality construct characterized by competitiveness, time urgency, and hostility.
- Burnout and work engagement are critical indicators of employee well-being and job performance.
- Previous research suggests a link between Type A behavior and adverse health outcomes, including stress and burnout.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between Type A behavior, perceived work situation, burnout, and work engagement.
- To examine potential interactions between Type A behavior and work situation in predicting burnout and work engagement.
Main Methods:
- Hierarchical regression analyses were employed.
- The study sample comprised 329 Swedish Information Communication Technology (ICT) consultants.
- Data were collected on Type A behavior, perceived work situation, burnout, and work engagement.
Main Results:
- Both work situation and Type A behavior were significantly correlated with work engagement and burnout.
- No significant interactions were found between Type A behavior and work situation.
- The achievement striving component of Type A behavior was positively associated with work engagement.
- The irritability/impatience component of Type A behavior was associated with burnout complaints.
Conclusions:
- The achievement striving aspect of Type A behavior appears beneficial for work engagement and is not associated with burnout.
- The irritability/impatience aspect of Type A behavior may contribute to burnout, potentially due to its direct impact on mood rather than perceived work stress.
- Interventions targeting irritability may be crucial for mitigating burnout risk in Type A individuals within demanding work environments like ICT.
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