Development of a measure of work-related distress: Psychometric properties

A new burnout instrument, the Generalized Work Distress Scale (GWDS) is introduced, which is theoretically more compatible with the concept of work disability than previous instruments that measure job dissatisfaction and burnout. In the present study, the GWDS demonstrated adequate test-retest reliability as well as known group validity in both care-giver and non-caregiver populations. Additionally, the GWDS demonstrated predictive validity in terms of care givers' strong reactions to the need for assistance with their own vocational distress responses, and retrospective validity in terms of non-caregivers' days absent from work. Factor analysis indicated a 2 factor solution involving an internal (distress), and external (support from others) factor. The present test should be useful in the assessment of a common barrier to occupational rehabilitation, especially when rehabilitation involves a musculoskeletal disorder.