Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
05:40
The Motivation for Alcohol Reward: Predictors of Progressive-Ratio Intravenous Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans
Published on: April 28, 2022
Irrational beliefs at work and their implications for workaholism
Corine van Wijhe1, Maria Peeters, Wilmar Schaufeli
1Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands, corinevanwijhe@gmail.com.
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
|January 12, 2013
Summary
This study found that irrational performance demands, not other irrational beliefs, are linked to workaholism. Interventions should target these demands and negative emotions for effective workaholism treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Workaholism is a significant occupational health concern.
- Work-related irrational cognitions may contribute to workaholism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the associations between work-related irrational cognitions and workaholism.
- To develop and validate a measure for work-related irrational beliefs.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 913 employees completed an online survey.
- The survey included the Work-Related Irrational Beliefs Questionnaire (WIB-Q), measures of negative affect, and workaholism.
Main Results:
- Four factors of irrational beliefs were identified: performance demands, co-workers' approval, failure, and control.
- Performance demands were significantly associated with workaholism after controlling for negative affect.
- Other irrational belief factors were not associated with workaholism.
Conclusions:
- Interventions for workaholism should focus on irrational self-oriented performance demands and negative emotions.
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a potentially effective intervention for treating workaholism by addressing irrational cognitions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs) are grounded in the belief that our thoughts profoundly influence our emotions and actions. Advocates of CBT emphasize three core assumptions: first, that cognitions are identifiable and measurable; second, that they are central to psychological functioning; and third, that irrational or maladaptive beliefs can be replaced with rational and adaptive ones. This transformative approach to therapy has paved the way for specific models such as Albert Ellis's...
02:05Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
People can go to great lengths to protect their self-image and present themselves in ways that they want others to see them. Sociologist Erving Goffman presented the idea that a person is like an actor on a stage. Calling his theory dramaturgy, Goffman believed that we use “impression management” to present ourselves to others as we hope to be perceived. Each situation is a new scene, and individuals perform different roles depending on who is present (Goffman, 1959). Think about the way you...
01:25Self-Regulation
Self-regulation, also known as self-control, encompasses a range of cognitive and behavioral processes that allow individuals to adjust their internal states and outward actions to align with socially acceptable norms and long-term goals. It plays a fundamental role in adaptive functioning, from resisting impulsive behaviors to persisting through challenging tasks. While its benefits are widely recognized, self-regulation is not limitless. Muraven and Baumeister's theory posits that...
01:30Unrealistic Optimism Bias
Unrealistic optimism bias is the tendency to overestimate the likelihood of positive outcomes. This cognitive bias makes individuals believe they are less likely to experience failures, setbacks, or risks and more likely to succeed than others. For example, people may assume they are less prone to health issues, accidents, or financial struggles than their peers, even when they share similar risk factors.One key component of this bias is the above-average effect, where individuals perceive...
01:25Motivational Bias
Cognitive bias results from limitations in thinking and information processing, leading to systematic errors in judgment. Conversely, motivational bias stems from personal desires or emotions, causing distortions in perception to align with self-interest. Motivational bias influences how individuals perceive and attribute causes to events, often shaped by personal needs, goals, and self-esteem preservation. This bias can distort judgment, leading to inaccurate assessments of success, failure,...
01:25Beck's Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy is a psychological approach designed to address distortions in thinking, which can lead to negative emotions and unrealistic beliefs. These cognitive distortions often influence how individuals interpret and respond to situations, exacerbating emotional distress. Below are some prevalent cognitive distortions, their characteristics, and examples of how they manifest in thought processes.
Arbitrary Inference
Arbitrary inference involves making conclusions without sufficient...
Arbitrary Inference
Arbitrary inference involves making conclusions without sufficient...