Vital Exhaustion and Markers of Low‐Grade Inflammation in Healthy Adults: The Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study

This study analyses distinct trajectories of vital exhaustion (VE; a measure of mental health incorporating signs of stress and depression) over a period of 15 years in healthy adults and investigates further the consequences for markers of low‐grade inflammation as indicators of cardiovascular disease risk. Data of 341 participants of the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study were utilized. VE was measured by the Maastricht Questionnaire. Markers of low‐grade inflammation included interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8 and tumour necrosis factor‐α. Distinct trajectories of VE were obtained by latent class growth models, and consequences for markers of low‐grade inflammation of the trajectories were analysed by linear regressions. We found comparable trajectories of VE for men and women; a ‘never vitally exhausted’ subgroup (16.9% and 25.1%, respectively), a ‘stable preclinical VE’ subgroup (51.7% and 68.1%) and a ‘chronic VE state’ subgroup (31.5% and 6.7%). The subgroups had similar levels of the markers investigated. This study is the first to analyse VE longitudinally in healthy adults and indicates that although distinct trajectories of VE were identified, differential consequences for cardiovascular disease risk were unapparent. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

General job performance of first‐line supervisors: the role of conscientiousness in determining its effects on subordinate exhaustion

In an integrated test of the job demands–resources model and trait activation theory, we predicted that the general job performance of employees who also hold supervisory roles may act as a demand to subordinates, depending on levels of subordinate conscientiousness. In a sample of 313 customer service call centre employees, we found that high‐conscientiousness individuals were more likely to experience emotional exhaustion, and low‐conscientiousness individuals were less likely as the general job performance of their supervisor improved. The results were curvilinear, such that high‐conscientiousness individuals' exhaustion levelled off with very high supervisor performance (two standard deviations above the mean), and low‐conscientiousness individuals' exhaustion levelled off as supervisor performance improved from moderate to high. These findings suggest high‐conscientiousness employees may efficiently handle demands presented by a low‐performing coworker who is their boss, but when performance expectations are high (i.e. high‐performing boss), these achievement‐oriented employees may direct their resources (i.e. energy and time) towards performance‐related efforts at the expense of their well‐being. Conversely, low‐conscientiousness employees suffer when paired with a low‐performing boss, but benefit from a supervisor who demonstrates at least moderate job performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Self‐reported cognitive difficulties and cognitive functioning in relation to emotional exhaustion: Evidence from two studies

Individuals with burnout often report having difficulties with concentration and memory in everyday life. However, empirical evidence on cognitive decline using performance‐based measures is limited and often obtained on small clinical samples. The aim of the present two studies was to investigate cognitive correlates of emotional exhaustion on otherwise healthy populations at different life stages with varying degrees of burnout. A total of 201 graduate and undergraduate students participated in Study 1, and a heterogeneous sample (N = 203) of working individuals took part in Study 2. Cognitive performance was assessed by self‐reported cognitive difficulties and three performance‐based cognitive tests of sustained attention, inhibition of irrelevant information, and inhibition of prepotent responses. Controlling for gender, age, and depression symptoms, multiple regression analyses in Study 1 indicated a positive relationship between emotional exhaustion and self‐reported cognitive difficulties but no correlation with the performance‐based cognitive measures. A similar pattern of results emerged in Study 2. However, we found tentative evidence for cognitive impairment on the sustained attention measure. The results of these two studies partially support previous findings and extend the literature on cognitive aspects of burnout.     

Face it,don't Facebook it: Impacts of Social Media Addiction on Mindfulness,Coping Strategies and the Consequence on Emotional Exhaustion

Addiction to social media has now become a problem that societies are concerned with. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impacts that social media addiction has on mindfulness and choice of coping strategy, as well as to explore the consequences on emotional exhaustion. The survey data were collected from 211 employees in 13 enterprises in Thailand. Results from partial least square structural equation modelling revealed that people who are highly addicted to social media tended to have lower mindfulness and tended to use emotion‐focused coping to deal with stress. Lack of mindfulness and the decision to use emotion‐coping strategy are also subsequently associated with higher emotional exhaustion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Abusive Supervision and Workload Demands from Supervisors: Exploring Two Types of Supervisor‐related Stressors and their Association with Strain

Our study aimed to identify two types of stressors from supervisors: abusive supervision (AS) and workload demands from supervisors (WDS). AS reflects the relationship dimension of supervisor‐related stressors, and WDS reflects the task dimension of supervisor‐related stressors. In Study 1, we attempted to distinguish between AS and WDS. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that AS and WDS are two distinct dimensions of supervisor‐related stressors. In Study 2, we utilized job demands–resources model and investigated whether AS and WDS can uniquely predict subordinates' emotional exhaustion (EE). We also explored whether perceived job characteristics (PJCs) have differential moderating effects on the relationships between the two dimensions of supervisor‐related stressors (AS and WDS) and EE. Consistent with our predictions, the results showed that both AS and WDS have incremental predictive effects on EE after controlling for the effect of the other. The results also revealed that PJCs weaken the WDS–EE relationship, not the AS–EE relationship. We discussed the theoretical and practical implications at the end. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mediating effects of emotional exhaustion on the relationship between job demand–control model and mental health

This study attempted to investigate the role of emotional exhaustion as a mediator on the relationship between job demands–control (JDC) model and mental health. Three‐wave data from 297 employees were collected. The results showed that job demands were positively related to emotional exhaustion, and increasing job demands will increase the level of emotional exhaustion. Job control was negatively associated with emotional exhaustion; therefore, increasing job control will decrease the level of emotional exhaustion. Emotional exhaustion was negatively related to mental health. Emotional exhaustion fully mediated the relationship between job demands and mental health, and partially mediated the positive relationship between job control and mental health. In addition, job control was positively associated with mental health directly. The remarkable finding of the present study was that emotional exhaustion served as the key mediator between the JDC model and mental health. Theoretical and managerial implications and limitations were discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Emotional Disclosure in Homeless People: A Pilot Study

Symptoms of stress are prevalent among the homeless. Growing evidence suggests that disclosure of traumatic experiences is beneficial to health. This pilot study examined the effects of an emotional disclosure protocol on a group of 8 homeless people, using a single-group design. Clinical effectiveness was evaluated using the Impact of Event Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Reading Span Task, and the Digit Span Test. Participant satisfaction was also measured. Results showed significant improvements in functioning at 1- and 6-week follow-up, and good satisfaction levels. The discussion remarks on the limitations (lack of a control group, small sample size, and other biases) and the need for more research in this topic.     

Work–Family Conflict and Job Satisfaction: Emotional Intelligence as a Moderator

The negative impact of work–family conflict (WFC) on employees' well‐being and job‐related outcomes has attracted much research attention recently. A major gap in the literature is which factors could potentially buffer its negative effect on employees. The present study examined the moderating effect of emotional intelligence on the relationship between WFC and job satisfaction in a sample of 212 Chinese high school teachers. On the basis of conservation of resource theory, we hypothesized that emotional intelligence would weaken the negative effect of family‐to‐work and work‐to‐family interference on job satisfaction. Results suggested that WFC (work‐to‐family interference and family‐to‐work interference) was negatively related to job satisfaction and that emotional intelligence weakened the effect of WFC on job satisfaction. These findings provide implications for theories on WFC and emotional intelligence, such as conservation of resource theory. The current study also provides a test of these theories in Chinese culture to support the generalizability of theories developed in previous research. Practical implications for reducing the negative influence of WFC on employees' job satisfaction are also provided, such as the potential value of emotional intelligence for the training and development of employees in teaching professions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Demand‐Induced Strain Compensation Questionnaire: A Cross‐national Validation Study

The demand‐induced strain compensation model is a theoretical job stress model that has been tested in different kinds of empirical study in several countries. To measure key concepts in the model (job demands and job resources), the demand‐induced strain compensation questionnaire (DISQ) was developed and has been used in many empirical studies. However, most studies neither focused on the psychometric properties of the DISQ nor tested it cross‐nationally. In this study, we examined the psychometric properties of the DISQ tested on Italian (n = 422) and Dutch (n = 1629) employees. Results indicated that the six‐factor model, consisting of cognitive, emotional and physical job demands as well as cognitive, emotional and physical job resources, provided a better fit to the data than an alternative two‐factor model (demands and resources only). Findings were invariant across Italian and Dutch samples. Internal consistencies were satisfactory. Additionally, the six dimensions of DISQ were found to be meaningfully related to employee active learning behaviour, emotional exhaustion and musculoskeletal disorders. Results suggest the DISQ questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument to measure the proposed dimensions of job demands and job resources in both Italian and Dutch work contexts. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cognitive Predictors and Risk Factors of PTSD Following Stillbirth: A Short‐Term Longitudinal Study

This short‐term longitudinal study investigated cognitive predictors and risk factors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mothers following stillbirth. After a stillbirth at ≥ 24 weeks gestational age, 65 women completed structured clinical interviews and questionnaires assessing PTSD symptoms, cognitive predictors (appraisals, dysfunctional strategies), and risk factors (perceived social support, trauma history, obstetric history) at 3 and 6 months. PTSD symptoms decreased between 3 and 6 months (Cohen's d ranged .34–.52). Regression analyses also revealed a specific positive relationship between Rumination and concurrent frequency of PTSD symptoms (β = .45). Negative Self‐View and Negative World‐View related positively and Self‐Blame related negatively to concurrent number of PTSD symptoms (β = .48, .44, ?.45, respectively). Suppression and Distraction predicted a decrease and Numbing predicted an increase in time‐lagged number of PTSD symptoms (β = ?.33, ?.28, .30, respectively). Risk factors for PTSD symptoms were younger age (β = ?.25), lower income (β = ?.29), fewer previous pregnancies (β = ?.31), and poorer perceived social support (β = ?.26). Interventions addressing negative appraisals, dysfunctional strategies, and social support are recommended for mothers with PTSD following stillbirth. Knowledge of cognitive predictors and risk factors of PTSD may inform the development of a screening instrument.     

Cognitive assessment in a predominantly Hispanic and Native American population in New Mexico and its association with kidney transplant wait‐listing

The association between cognitive function and the likelihood of kidney transplant (KT) wait‐listing, especially in minority populations, has not been clearly delineated. We performed a retrospective review of our pre‐KT patients, who consist mainly of Hispanics and Native Americans, over a 16‐month period. We collected data on baseline demographics and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score, at the initial KT evaluation. We defined cognitive impairment as MoCA scores of <24. We constructed linear regression models to identify associations between baseline characteristics with MoCA scores and used Cox proportional hazards models to assess associations between MoCA score and KT wait‐listing. During the study period, 154 patients completed the MoCA during their initial evaluation. Mean (standard deviation) MoCA scores were 23.9 (4.6), with 58 (38%) participants scoring <24. Advanced age, lower education and being on dialysis were associated with lower MoCA scores. For every one‐point increase in MoCA, the likelihood of being wait‐listed increased 1.10‐fold (95% CI 1.01‐1.19, P = .022). Being Native American and having kidney disease due to diabetes or hypertension were associated with longer time to wait‐listing. Cognitive impairment was common in our pre‐KT patients and was associated with a lower likelihood of KT wait‐listing.     

Burnout,stress and health of employees on non‐standard work schedules: a study of Canadian workers

This study examined the relationship between non‐standard work schedules (shift work and weekend work) and job burnout, stress and psychosomatic health problems among full‐time employed Canadians in a large metropolitan city on the east coast. Data were collected by means of a structured mail back questionnaire (N = 376). Employees involved with weekend work reported significantly higher emotional exhaustion, job stress and psychosomatic health problems than employees not involved with weekend work. Similarly, employees on non‐standard work shifts (other than fixed day shift, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) reported significantly higher overall burnout, emotional exhaustion, job stress and health problems than employees on a fixed day shift. Results from two‐way ANOVA indicated that employees involved with weekend work and non‐fixed day shifts reported significantly higher emotional exhaustion and health problems than other employees. Implications of the findings are discussed for future researchers in light of employee well‐being and non‐standard work schedules. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Multi‐player nonzero‐sum Nash differential game: variation and pseudo‐spectral method

A novel method is presented to solve the nonzero‐sum multi‐player Nash differential game. It combines the use of the variation and Legendre pseudo‐spectral methods. By the variation method, the original game is converted into a regular optimal control problem, avoiding the need to solve the associated Hamilton–Jacobi equation. Then the latter problem is converted into a common nonlinear programming problem via the Legendre pseudo‐spectral method, by which the saddle‐point for the original game can be achieved accurately. As an illustration, the air combat between two pursuers and an evader is formulated as a nonzero‐sum differential game. The simulation results show that numerical solutions can converge to the saddle‐points from different initial conditions, which demonstrates the feasibility and validity of the proposed method. Because the solution process requires little computational time, this method will allow for the development of a real time air combat control strategy. In addition, the simulations show that if the initial states of the two pursuers are fixed, there is an optimal initial heading angle for the evader to delay the interception time most effectively. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Emotional Dissonance and Burnout: The Moderating Role of Team Reflexivity and Re‐Evaluation

The aim of the present study was to better understand the relationship between emotional dissonance and burnout by exploring the buffering effects of re‐evaluation and team reflexivity. The study was conducted with a sample of 445 nurses and healthcare assistants from a general hospital. Team reflexivity was evaluated with the validation of the French version of the team reflexivity scale (Facchin, Tschan, Gurtner, Cohen, & Dupuis, 2006). Burnout was measured with the MBI General Survey (Schaufeli, Leiter, Maslach, & Jackson, 1996). Emotional dissonance and re‐evaluation were measured with the scale developed by Andela, Truchot, & Borteyrou (2015). With reference to Rimé's theoretical model (2009), we suggested that both dimensions of team reflexivity (task and social reflexivity) respond to both psychological necessities induced by dissonance (cognitive clarification and socio‐affective necessities). Firstly, results indicated that emotional dissonance was related to burnout. Secondly, regression analysis confirmed the buffering role of re‐evaluation and social reflexivity on the emotional exhaustion of emotional dissonance. Overall, results contribute to the literature by highlighting the moderating effect of re‐evaluation and team reflexivity in analysing the relationship between emotional dissonance and burnout. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Type‐A behavior in a multinational organization: a study of two countries

This study examined the relationship of global Type A and its components (time pressure and hard driving/competitiveness) with job performance, job satisfaction and health problems among employees working in a multinational company in Malaysia (N = 305) and Pakistan (N = 325). Data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire from employees concerning Type‐A behavior, job satisfactions and health problems. Job performance data were obtained from the company's personnel files. The immediate supervisor provided the job performance rating annually for all employees. Bivariate multiple regressions were used to analyze the data. Global Type A and its two components were not related to job performance in either countries. Global Type A and the components time pressure and hard driving/competitiveness were significantly related to job satisfaction and health problems in both countries. Some support for the differential effects of Type‐A behavior components on health problems was noted in both samples. Implications of findings are discussed for international and cross‐cultural research. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Job stress and psychosomatic health complaints among Dutch truck drivers: a re‐evaluation of Karasek's interactive job demand–control model

Karasek's Job Demand–Control Model (JD‐C Model) assumes that decision latitude (control) moderates the impact of job demands on health and well‐being. It was proposed that lack of evidence for this core ‘interaction hypothesis’ was a consequence of an inadequate conceptualization of decision latitude. Taking this proposition into consideration, we re‐evaluated the JD‐C Model using a sample of 517 Dutch truck drivers. Regression analyses revealed a significant job demands by job control interaction effect as well as significant main effects of the two independent variables on psychosomatic health complaints. However, the magnitude of the interaction effect was very small. Therefore, it was concluded that the interaction hypothesis was not supported in the present study. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Randomised,Multicentre, Placebo-controlled,Double-blind Crossover Study Investigating the Effect of Solifenacin and Oxybutynin in Elderly People with Mild Cognitive Impairment: The SENIOR Study

Background

Compared with younger people, the elderly are more likely to suffer from overactive bladder (OAB) and to have other chronic conditions that affect physical or cognitive function. Despite this, there are few data on the cognitive safety of antimuscarinic agents in older patients and none that examine the effect of these agents on those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Objective

To evaluate cognitive effects during chronic stable dosing with solifenacin and oxybutynin versus placebo in older (≥75 yr) subjects with MCI.

Design, setting, and participants

A randomised, double-blind, triple-crossover trial in 26 elderly volunteers with MCI. Cognitive function was assessed using Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerised testing.

Intervention

Three treatment periods of 21 d each with solifenacin 5 mg once daily, oxybutynin 5 mg twice daily, or placebo, separated by 21-d washout periods.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

The primary end point was change from baseline in cognitive function with solifenacin at 6 h postdose and oxybutynin at 2 h postdose (time points close to their predicted time to peak concentration). Secondary end points included change in cognitive function at additional time points, and safety and tolerability assessments.

Results and limitations

Neither agent was associated with significant changes from baseline in any of the five standard, composite outcomes of cognitive function (power of attention, continuity of attention, quality of working memory, quality of episodic memory, and speed of memory). In a secondary analysis, oxybutynin was associated with significant decreases in power and continuity of attention versus placebo at 1–2 h postdose. Both agents were well tolerated, with the most frequently reported adverse event being mild or moderate dry mouth.

Conclusions

Solifenacin had no detectable effect on cognition in this group of elderly people with MCI.