Towards a more comprehensive definition of shift work tolerance

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Shift work is prevalent, impacting numerous professionals globally.
• Understanding individual differences in shift work tolerance (SWT) is crucial for mitigating negative health outcomes.
• Existing research calls for a broader definition of SWT beyond simple performance metrics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the nature of individual differences in shift work tolerance (SWT).
• To identify key factors contributing to variations in how individuals tolerate shift work.
• To explore the relationship between these factors and other health and social variables.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory factor analysis of data from 1,529 Norwegian nurses.
• Utilized established instruments measuring sleep, sleepiness, fatigue, social functioning, and health.
• Correlated identified factors with demographic, personality, job satisfaction, and social support variables.

Main Results:

• Two primary factors emerged as highly relevant to SWT: "Well-being" and "Physical health".
• Both factors demonstrated relationships with demographic and personality variables.
• Well-being and Physical health factors were associated with job satisfaction, social support, and negative acts, with Well-being also linked to coping strategies.

Conclusions:

• The study supports the construct and concurrent validity of the identified "Well-being" and "Physical health" factors of SWT.
• Findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of individual differences in shift work tolerance.
• Results provide a foundation for developing targeted interventions to support shift workers.