Work stress and negative affectivity: a multi-method study

Abstract

NA influenced psychophysical strain in the worker, both directly and indirectly, through perceived conflict with co-workers.

The mediating role of interpersonal conflict at work in the relationship between negative affectivity and biomarkers of stress

“…Additionally, Oliver et al (2010) found in a longitudinal study that NA predicts work stressors over time, but work stressors do not predict NA over time. Finally, interpersonal conflict at work has been associated with both negative affective reactions in diary studies (Ilies et al, 2011;Meier et al, 2013) and with psychophysical strain in longitudinal studies (Falco et al, 2013b;Nixon et al, 2011). Overall, although more research is needed in order to examine the relationship between NA, ICW, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, the complete mediation model seems therefore consistent with current theories and evidence.…”

“…Negative affectivity was determined using the Italian version of the Strain-Free Negative Affectivity Scale (Fortunato et al, 1999; see also Falco et al, 2013b), a 9-item scale with responses ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 6 (strongly agree). Cronbach's alpha in our study was .74.…”

“…The second aim is to investigate the role of negative affectivity in the relationship between interpersonal conflict at work and the strain response. Given the results of previous studies, we propose a theoretical model in which negative affectivity affects exposure to interpersonal conflict at work, which, in turn, is associated with biomarkers of stress (i.e., ICW mediates the relationship between NA and biomarkers of stress; Falco et al, 2013b;Girardi et al, 2011).…”

“…Overall, this may lead to negative reactions from supervisors and colleagues and, consequently, to higher ICW. Therefore, negative affectivity may have a positive indirect effect on psychophysical strain through interpersonal conflict at work (i.e., ICW mediates the relationship between NA and psychophysical strain; Falco et al, 2013b;Girardi et al, 2011). Accordingly, we hypothesize that negative affectivity has a positive indirect effect on biomarkers of stress (Hypothesis 2).…”

The Mediating Role of Psychophysic Strain in the Relationship Between Workaholism, Job Performance, and Sickness Absence

“…42,43 The evaluation of workers' performance was supplied by the supervisor, in the context of the evaluation of annual performances. In particular, the supervisor expressed a judgment for each worker, using a 10-point scale.…”