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Negative affectivity influences report of work-related symptoms
1National Institute for Alcohol and Drug Research, Oslo, Norway.
Journal of Human Ergology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Negative affectivity (NA) significantly impacts how people report symptoms. This study found a strong link between NA and reporting work-related visual and musculoskeletal issues, suggesting NA may inflate symptom reporting.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Occupational Health
- Symptom Perception
Background:
- Negative affectivity (NA) is known to influence perceptual style and symptom reporting.
- Understanding the role of NA in reporting work-related symptoms is crucial for accurate assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of negative affectivity (NA) on the reporting of work-related symptoms.
- To examine the association between NA and specific types of work-related symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Three studies were conducted with varying sample sizes (N = 24, N = 30, N = 43).
- The primary method involved assessing the relationship between negative affectivity and self-reported work-related symptoms.
Main Results:
- A consistent association was found between negative affectivity and the reporting of visual symptoms.
- A firm link was also identified between negative affectivity and the reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms across all studies.
Conclusions:
- Negative affectivity appears to be strongly associated with reporting visual and musculoskeletal complaints.
- NA may act as a confounding factor, potentially leading to an over-reporting of work-related symptoms.