Materials to be distributed: Scoring sheets ERI, JCQ, GHQ; to be turned in at the next session.

Practical Exercise/Instruction: Review scoring of ERI, JCQ, and GHQ. Each participant is asked to score the answers to the ERI, JCQ and GHQ to be turned in at Session #4.

Summary:

Several theoretical models of workplace psychosocial stressors have been empirically validated, including the Demand-Control-Support (DCS) model and the Effort Reward Imbalance (ERI) model. Karasek's "job strain" model states that the greatest risk to physical and mental health from stress occurs to workers facing high psychological workload demands or pressures combined with low control or decision latitude in meeting those demands. Another broader model of work stress is Johannes Siegrist's "effort-reward imbalance" model. The model defines threatening job conditions as a "mismatch between high workload (high demand) and low control over long-term rewards" In comparison to the DCS model with its emphasis on moment-to-moment control over the work process (i.e. decision latitude), the ERI model provides an expanded concept, emphasizing macro-level, long-term control vis-à-vis rewards such as career opportunities, job security, esteem and income. The ERI model also integrates the exigencies and rewards of the job with the individual's input and coping style.

This session describes three main approaches for measurement of job characteristics: self-report questionnaires (e.g., Job Content Questionnaire, Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire, Occupational Stress Index); imputation of job characteristics scores based on aggregate data (e.g. national job title averages); and external assessment (e.g. supervisor or coworker ratings, job analysis by expert observers). We review important research results, highlight advantages and limitations of each method and discuss some issues to be resolved through future research. We recommend multi-method strategies, for convergent validation, using as many of these approaches as possible.

Basic Readings:

(1) Stressors at the Workplace: Theoretical Models. In: Schnall PL, Belkic K, Landsbergis PA, Baker D (eds.) Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Review. The Workplace and Cardiovascular Disease. 2000; 15 (1): 69-87

(2) Workplace factors and CVD outcomes. In: Schnall PL, Belkic K, Landsbergis PA, Baker D (eds.) Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Review. The Workplace and Cardiovascular Disease. 2000; 15 (1): 7-68.

Supplemental:

(3) Schnall PL, Schwartz J, Landsbergis PA, Warren K, Pickering TG. A longitudinal study of job strain and ambulatory blood pressure: results of a three year follow-up. Psychosom Med 1998; 60: 697-706.