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The relationship between night duty tolerance and personality
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|September 11, 1996
Summary
Individual tolerance to shiftwork, particularly night shifts, is linked to personality traits. Those unwilling to work nights reported more physical and psychological symptoms, suggesting personal choice is key for shiftwork tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychology
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Shiftwork is common in nursing, but individual tolerance varies significantly.
- Understanding factors influencing shiftwork tolerance is crucial for employee well-being and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between personality factors and individual differences in shiftwork tolerance among nurses.
- To identify specific personality traits associated with a preference for or aversion to night shift work.
Main Methods:
- Forty-six nurses working night shifts were divided into two groups: those who would choose night shifts (S=24) and those who would not (S=22).
- Participants completed physical and psychological symptom scales to assess shiftwork tolerance.
- Personality variables, including rigidity/flexibility of sleeping habits, were measured.
Main Results:
- The group unwilling to work night shifts reported significantly higher physical and psychological symptoms, indicating lower shiftwork tolerance.
- Significant differences in personality variables were observed between the two groups.
- Rigidity/flexibility of sleeping habits showed the largest difference (p < 0.001), with the 'no nightwork' group being more rigid.
Conclusions:
- Personality factors, especially sleeping habit flexibility, play a role in determining an individual's tolerance for shiftwork.
- Shiftwork tolerance is an individual characteristic, and decisions regarding night shifts should be based on personal preference and tolerance levels.