Effects of Approach and Avoid Mindsets on Performance, Self-regulatory Cognition, and Affect in a Multi-task Environment

Despite numerous studies of approach- and avoidant mindsets, relatively little research has addressed the impact of such motivational orientations on performance and emotion in a real-time, multi-task setting. A laboratory simulation is reported that examines the influence of an induced approach-centered, an avoidance-centered, and a “neutral” motivational mindset upon multiple aspects of task performance, self-regulatory cognition, and affect. Undergraduate females randomly assigned to one of three mindset conditions performed a simulated automobile drive across one practice and two experimental trials. Dependent measures included divided attention, behavioral indicators of driving “cautiousness” in relatively safe straight roadway sections as well as during more risk-filled driving, multiple aspects of self-regulatory thinking (including self-monitoring, intended effort, and self-administered consequences), and positive and negative affect. Results revealed that the avoidant mindset produced poorer executive attention (i.e., fewer correctly detected divided attention events), more “cautious” driving behavior and reduced performance variability (i.e., greater control) when driving on presumably safe, straight roadway sections, lower self-reports of intended effort, and greater negative affect relative to the approach mindset. Results are intepreted within a self-regulation-centered motivational framework. Implications of the multi-task simulation for the study of normal and disordered adjustment are considered.     

人机工程学工作分析方法在体力劳动负荷评价中的应用

对鞍钢耐火厂、炼钢厂22个工种分别进行体力劳动负荷的人机工程学分析及劳动强度测定。调查表明,两种方法所得结果基本一致,但人机工程学分析方法简便,易于基层单位推广应用。     

Personal history,training, and worksite as predictors of back pain of nurses

Back pain among nurses is a common problem. Prior studies of this problem have been based on cross-sectional or retrospective data. This 18-month prospective study involving nurses newly graduated from nursing school investigated personal, worksite, and training factors associated with future risk of back pain. Each nurse underwent a preliminary interview and periodic follow-ups to identify those with back injuries. Contingency tables and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that prior significant back pain episodes (evidenced by previous job changes because of back pain, frequent medication use, etc.) were associated with increased future risk. Training at nursing school or on the job did not have a protective effect. This pilot study therefore suggests factors useful in placement and counseling of new nurses and indicates the need for further implementation of mechanical lift assist device use. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Semiconductor manufacturing: an introduction to processes and hazards

Recent studies suggest that semiconductor workers have an increased incidence of work-related illness. Semiconductor manufacturing is a chemically intensive industry involving many potentially hazardous operations. As this industry moves into new geographic areas, health care professionals will be asked to evaluate medical or workplace conditions associated with unfamiliar and complex production processes. This paper provides an overview of semiconductor manufacturing processes for these health practitioners. Each step of device fabrication is detailed with its attendant chemical and physical hazards. Broader concepts of industrial control technology, clean room ventilation, and ergonomics are explained. The hazards are tabulated to allow rapid assessment of the risks inherent to each processing step. References have been chosen to guide the reader to more indepth information.     

Relations between upper limb soft tissue disorders and repetitive movements at work

To make a preliminary assessment of whether upper limb soft tissue disorders might be associated with activities at work, we have conducted a case-control study of subjects attending orthopedic clinics in three cities. All subjects between the ages of 16 and 65 years, in whom defined soft tissue conditions of the upper limb were diagnosed by the participating orthopedic surgeons, were invited to take part. Controls were subjects attending the same clinics within the same age range whose clinical diagnosis did not include disease of the upper limb, cervical or thoracic spine. Information concerning repetitive movements of the upper limbs at work was elicited by questionnaire. Five hundred eighty cases and 996 controls were studied, representing 96% and 93%, respectively, of those invited to participate. The diagnoses of the cases included soft tissue conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, thumb, hand, and fingers. The diagnoses of the controls included traumatic, degenerative, and inflammatory conditions, mostly of the legs and lower back. Women predominated among the cases (70%) and men among the controls (56%). Of 221 female cases with injury to the wrist and forearm, 32 were cleaner/domestics (14.5%) compared to 35 of 439 controls (8%), a difference statistically significant at the 2 1/2% level. Other jobs significantly overrepresented (5% level) among female cases with injuries at various anatomical sites included hairdressers, secretary/temps, assembly line workers, and machine operators (type unspecified). Among male cases, electricians were significantly overrepresented (5% level). Jobs for which there was a suggestion (p < 0.1) of overrepresentation among cases included butchers and teacher/ lecturers (both males only) and the combined job groups (chosen a priori for analysis) of keyboard operators, machine operators, and music teachers (all three jobs, females only).     

Is ergonomic intervention alone sufficient to limit musculoskeletal problems in nurses?

This study retrospectively surveyed 1,216 nurses at hospitalsin Belgium and The Netherlands. Data concerning workloads, musculoskeletalsymptoms, work loss and psychosocial factors were collectedby questionnaire. Lifetime prevalence rates for musculoskeletalproblems and low back trouble were significantly lower in theDutch hospitals than the Belgian hospitals, but a significantlyhigher proportion of Dutch nurses had ‘heavy’ workloads.Overall, symptoms and work loss in the previous 12 months werenot related to workload, nor was the perception that work wascausative; a change of duties because of symptoms was rare (<3%). The Dutch nurses differed strikingly from Belgian nurseson the psychosocial variables; they were less depressed andsignificantly more positive about pain, work and activity. Itis proposed that ergonomic interventions alone may be sub-optimalin controlling musculoskeletal problems among nurses The additionalprovision of psychosocoial information to challenge misconceptionsand encourage self-management is proposed.     

新型常规潜艇长航60昼夜对艇员体能耐力及心理工效的影响

目的;探讨新型常规潜艇长航６０昼夜对艇员视力听力,心肺功能、体能耐力和心理工效等的影响。方法：通过临床体检,特殊检查观察长航艇员生理和心理方面的变化。结果：长航艇员视力和听力下降,心率加快,心脏搏出量减少,用力肺活量及最大通气量减少,体能耐力和工作能力下降。结论：潜艇长航对艇员视力听力,心肺功能,体能耐力,工作能力和心理工效均有一定程度的影响。