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Individual differences in tolerance to shift work--a systematic review
Ingvild B Saksvik1, Bjørn Bjorvatn, Hilde Hetland
1Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Christies gate 12, 5015 Bergen, Norway. Ingvild.Saksvik@psysp.uib.no
Sleep Medicine Reviews
|September 21, 2010
Summary
Individual differences like younger age, male gender, and specific personality traits are linked to better shift work tolerance. More research is needed to confirm these predictors for shift work adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychology
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Shift work is common, affecting millions globally.
- Adapting to shift work (shift work tolerance) varies significantly among individuals.
- Understanding factors influencing this adaptation is crucial for worker well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review literature on individual differences and biological variables related to shift work tolerance.
- To identify key factors associated with better adaptation to shift work schedules.
- To assess the current state of research and identify gaps.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies published between 1998 and 2009.
- Inclusion of 60 articles, categorized as longitudinal or cross-sectional.
- Analysis of individual differences (age, gender, personality, morningness/eveningness) and biological variables.
Main Results:
- Younger age, male gender, and specific personality traits (e.g., high extraversion, low neuroticism) correlate with higher shift work tolerance.
- Morningness/eveningness preferences (low morningness) and psychological factors (internal locus of control) are also associated with better adaptation.
- Genetic predispositions show a potential link to shift work tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Several individual characteristics appear to predict better shift work tolerance.
- Longitudinal studies, particularly on personality, are necessary to establish predictive validity.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay of factors influencing shift work adaptation.
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