When Does Work Interfere With Teachers’ Private Life? An Application of the Job Demands-Resources Model

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between contextual work-related factors on the one hand, in terms of job demands (i.e., risk factors) and job resources (i.e., protective factors), and work-family conflict (WFC) in teachers on the other. Building on the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, we hypothesized that job demands, namely qualitative, and quantitative workload, are positively associated with WFC in teachers. Moreover, in line with the buffer hypothesis of the JD-R, we expected job resources, in terms of support from supervisor (SS), job autonomy (JA), and participation in decision making (PDM), to affect this association, which is expected to be stronger when job resources are low. The study was conducted in an Italian secondary school. Overall, 122 teachers completed a self-report questionnaire aimed at determining WFC, as well as job demands and resources. The hypothesized relationships were tested using moderated multiple regression. The results of this study largely support our predictions. First, both aspects of workload were positively associated with WFC. Secondly, job resources, including SS and PDM, buffered this association, which was stronger when resources were low. On the contrary, JA did not buffer the association between workload and WFC. Overall, the results of this study are consistent with the JD-R model and contribute to the understanding of work–family conflict among teachers. More specifically, our study suggests that teachers with high levels of job resources, namely SS and PDM, can effectively cope with job demands, in terms of both qualitative and quantitative workload, thus preventing negative consequences such as conflict between work and family domains. Interventions aimed at preventing WFC among teachers should encourage organizations to optimize the balance between job demands and resources, as well as the identification and training of the workers at risk of WFC

Assessing attitudes towards insulin pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes: Italian validation of the Insulin Pump Attitudes Questionnaire (IT-IPA questionnaire)

Aims: The aim of the study was to adapt the German version of the insulin pump therapy (IPA) questionnaire to Italian (IT-IPA) and to evaluate its psychometric properties in adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study, data were collected through an online survey. In addition to IT-IPA, questionnaires evaluating depression, anxiety, diabetes distress, self-efficacy, and treatment satisfaction were administered. The six factors identified in the IPA German version were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis; psychometric testing included construct validity and internal consistency. Results: The online survey was compiled by 182 individuals with type 1 diabetes: 45.6% continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) users and 54.4% multiple daily insulin injection users. The six-factor model had a very good fit in our sample. The internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's α = 0.75; 95% IC [0.65-0.81]). Diabetes treatment satisfaction was positively correlated with a positive attitude towards CSII therapy (Spearman's rho = 0.31; p < 0.01), less Technology Dependency, higher Ease of Use, and less Impaired Body Image. Furthermore, less Technology Dependency was associated with lower diabetes distress and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The IT-IPA is a valid and reliable questionnaire evaluating attitudes towards insulin pump therapy. The questionnaire can be used for clinical practice during consultations for shared decision-making to CSII therapy

BENESSERE ORGANIZZATIVO E RISCHI PSICOSOCIALI: CARICO LAVORATIVO E RISORSE PERSONALI POSITIVE

This research - composed of two specific studies - is, as methodological contribution, in the framework of several surveys related to organizational well - being and psychosocial risks. In particular, it refers to work - related stress according to transactional psychological theories and Positive Psychology. Purposes of the first study are the presentation of the factorial structure (CFA) of the scales related to workload, control and four personality variables: resilience, hope, optimism and self-efficacy. Aim of the second study is to verify the presence of a higher - order factor composed of the four personal positive resources above - mentioned. The model adjustments to the data, based on the fit indices χ2, CFI (Comparative Fit Index) and SRMR (Standardized RMR), are satisfactory. Then the factorial structure of the scales and the higher - order factor are confirmed. Therefore these scales are appropriate to assess the influence of some individual characteristics - given the importance highlighted by the literature of personality variables - in the development of work - related stress.Il presente contributo di ricerca - che si compone di due specifici studi - si inserisce come contributo metodologico nell’ambito delle numerose indagini relative alle tematiche del benessere organizzativo e dei rischi psicosociali. Si riferisce, in particolare, allo stress lavoro - correlato nell’ambito dell’approccio psicologico di tipo transazionale e della Psicologia Positiva. Gli obiettivi del primo studio consistono nella presentazione delle strutture fattoriali (CFA) delle scale relative al carico lavorativo, al controllo e a quattro variabili di personalità: la resilienza, la speranza, l’ottimismo e l’autoefficacia. Gli obiettivi del secondo studio sono volti a verificare la presenza di un fattore di ordine superiore composto dalle quattro risorse personali positive sopra richiamate. Gli adattamenti dei modelli ai dati, in base agli indici di fit χ2, CFI (Comparative Fit Index) e SRMR (Standardized RMR), risultano soddisfacenti. Vengono quindi confermate le strutture fattoriali delle scale e il fattore di ordine superiore. Tali scale appaiono dunque idonee per valutare l’influenza di alcune caratteristiche individuali - data l’importanza messa in luce dalla letteratura delle variabili personalità - nello sviluppo dello stress lavoro-correlato

Positive personal resources and organizational well-being: resilience, hope, optimism, and self-efficacyin an Italian health care setting

The present study fits within the Positive Psychology approach, according to which a positive outlook is a valuable \u201cnatural defence\u201d to contrast the possible negative effects of stress. In line with the Psychological Capital (PsyCap) model, the study aims to assess the metric properties of four scales geared to measure the positive personal resources considered by such model \u2013 resilience, hope, optimism, and self-efficacy \u2013 as well as to ascertain the presence of a higher-order factor representing these four personal resources. The fit of the models to the data (\u3c72, CFI, and SRMR) are satisfactory. The scales factor structures and the higher-order factor are therefore confirmed. Such scales thus appear to be appropriate to assess the influence of some individual work characteristics in the work-related stress process

Effects of temporary job contracts on the well-being of individuals and organizations.

Uncertainty, mobility, and opportunity are some of the concepts used to describe work in today\u2019s society. Greater economic energy and flexibility have certainly created conditions that enable organizations to be more competitive, but these changes have also given rise to greater uncertainty, instability, and risk for workers, with a subsequent increase in their levels of stress and anxiety. This study aims to investigate the effects of temporary job contracts on the well-being of individuals and organizations, on the basis of an empirical survey on a sample of 106 Italian workers in the tertiary sector. Results show that the type of contract, as well as the possibility of choosing, have effects on personal and organizational variables, such as climate, conflict, perceived organizational support (POS), commitment, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), strain, burnout, and turnover intention. Results are also reported for gender and some organizational well-being/malaise dimensions. Such findings may be useful in developing some management guidelines to foster the sustainability of different forms of employment

Come fronteggiare lo stress lavoro-correlato con il biofeedback training: uno studio pilota

Nell\u2019ambito delle tecniche dirette al fronteggiamento dello stress lavoro-correlato hanno crescente rilievo quelle basate sul biofeedback (McCraty, Atkinson, Lipsenthal, & Arguelles, 2009). Ampiamente utilizzate per apprendere il controllo volontario di diverse funzioni fisiologiche, esse hanno mostrato la loro efficacia nella riduzione del livello di attivazione e nel favorire risposte di rilassamento (Lehrer, Woolfolk, & Sime, 2007; Schwartz & Andrasik, 2003). Il presente studio si propone di valutare l\u2019efficacia del biofeedback training, in combinazione di metodo, nell\u2019ambito di uno specifico intervento formativo di matrice cognitivo-costruttivista. Un gruppo di professionisti in formazione nel campo della salute (N = 15) ha partecipato ad uno specifico training di stress management, volto ad approfondire temi quali i significati personali, gli stili di coping e le reazioni psicofisiologiche allo stress e ad apprendere alcune tecniche di respirazione e di rilassamento con il biofeedback. Tra i due incontri previsti sono stati proposti un programma di esercitazioni e un supporto a distanza. Nella fase di pre e post training \ue8 stato registrato il profilo psicofisiologico e sono stati somministrati il Test Qu-Bo, lo STAI-Y e una griglia di repertorio sugli stili di coping. I partecipanti sono stati inoltre invitati a compilare un diario giornaliero per monitorare lo svolgimento del programma. I risultati mettono in luce differenze statisticamente significative tra le misurazioni pre e post training in alcune variabili psicofisiologiche, una percezione di maggiore capacit\ue0 di controllo del proprio stato di attivazione, l\u2019importanza del feedback e il ruolo della motivazione intrinseca dei partecipanti. Tali risultati preliminari invitano a proseguire nella ricerca, anche attraverso la realizzazione di studi controllati, per valutare l\u2019efficacia del training nel lungo periodo e la sostenibilit\ue0 della sua applicazione nei contesti organizzativi

Attitudes, perceptions, evaluations and policies of buying in relation to child work.

Little research has been conducted on the opinions of young people living in industrialized countries about child work, which is a still widespread phenomenon in many countries. Child work is a component of many productive activities that have their final step in the distribution of products in western countries, therefore the awareness of this phenomenon, of its diffusion and of its outcomes can represent a relevant factor in the formation of attitudes and buying behaviors among the marketing target of these products. This research relates to attitudes, perceptions, evaluations of young Italians, aged 14-27, in relation to child work, as well as to the consequent adoption of preventative buying policies. The research was conducted through the use of a questionnaire, administrated to a sample of about 1,600 students. The questionnaire measured the variables of general knowledge about child work, causal attributions regarding this phenomenon, perceived efficacy of preventing measures meant to reduce it, attitudes toward child work and attitudes toward the adoption of polices of buying related to child work. These dimensions were assessed through a series of different type of scales. The findings of this research give a series of instruments for understanding the levels of awareness and the critical factors of diffusion of the information about this phenomenon. Specifically, mass media play a crucial role on the representation of child work, negative attitudes towards child work are closely associated to mental representation of poverty and exploitation, but more positive attitude if work is perceived as pleasant and freely chosen by the child. Much can be done with the findings of this research in order to raise the awareness about the diffusion and the relevance of child work, as well as in order to stimulate actions related to it. In this perspective, this study can be also a starting point for further research about more dimensions related to child work and about modifications of the awareness and the representations about it

Come fronteggiare lo stress lavoro-correlato con il biofeedback training: uno studio pilota

Nell\u2019ambito delle tecniche dirette al fronteggiamento dello stress lavoro-correlato hanno crescente rilievo quelle basate sul biofeedback (McCraty, Atkinson, Lipsenthal, & Arguelles, 2009). Ampiamente utilizzate per apprendere il controllo volontario di diverse funzioni fisiologiche, esse hanno mostrato la loro efficacia nella riduzione del livello di attivazione e nel favorire risposte di rilassamento (Lehrer, Woolfolk, & Sime, 2007; Schwartz & Andrasik, 2003). Il presente studio si propone di valutare l\u2019efficacia del biofeedback training, in combinazione di metodo, nell\u2019ambito di uno specifico intervento formativo di matrice cognitivo-costruttivista. Un gruppo di professionisti in formazione nel campo della salute (N = 15) ha partecipato ad uno specifico training di stress management, volto ad approfondire temi quali i significati personali, gli stili di coping e le reazioni psicofisiologiche allo stress e ad apprendere alcune tecniche di respirazione e di rilassamento con il biofeedback. Tra i due incontri previsti sono stati proposti un programma di esercitazioni e un supporto a distanza. Nella fase di pre e post training \ue8 stato registrato il profilo psicofisiologico e sono stati somministrati il Test Qu-Bo, lo STAI-Y e una griglia di repertorio sugli stili di coping. I partecipanti sono stati inoltre invitati a compilare un diario giornaliero per monitorare lo svolgimento del programma. I risultati mettono in luce differenze statisticamente significative tra le misurazioni pre e post training in alcune variabili psicofisiologiche, una percezione di maggiore capacit\ue0 di controllo del proprio stato di attivazione, l\u2019importanza del feedback e il ruolo della motivazione intrinseca dei partecipanti. Tali risultati preliminari invitano a proseguire nella ricerca, anche attraverso la realizzazione di studi controllati, per valutare l\u2019efficacia del training nel lungo periodo e la sostenibilit\ue0 della sua applicazione nei contesti organizzativi

\u201cThe best or nothing": the mediating role of workaholism in the relationship between perfectionism and burnout.

The study involved 225 workers operating in an Italian public organization. The first aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the short version of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale in the Italian context. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the 3-factor model of perfectionism and evidenced satisfactory psychometric properties of the scale. The study also aimed to test a theoretical model in which the three dimensions of perfectionism \u2014 self-oriented, other-oriented, socially prescribed perfectionism \u2014 have both a direct and an indirect effect, through workaholism, on emotional exhaustion and professional inefficacy. Results showed that self-oriented and other-oriented perfectionism were positively associated with workaholism, which, in turn, was positively associated with emotional exhaustion. Furthermore, workaholism mediated the relationship between self-oriented and other-oriented perfectionism and emotional exhaustion. Additionally, self-oriented perfectionism had a negative direct effect on emotional exhaustion, whereas socially prescribed perfectionism showed a positive direct effect on both emotional exhaustion and professional inefficacy. Possible implications are discussed for managers and human resources professionals

Does workload moderate the association between perfectionism and workaholism: A longitudinal study

The aim of this study is to examine, with a longitudinal design, the moderating role of workload in the relationship between perfectionism and workaholism. It was hypothesized that self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) and socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) predict an increase in workaholism and that workload may exacerbate this association. Four hundred and thirty workers completed a self-report questionnaire at two different time points, and the hypothesized relationships were tested using structural equation modeling. Overall, SOP and SPP were not associated with workaholism over time. The interaction between SOP, but not SPP, and workload was significant. SOP predicted an increase in workaholism over time in workers facing high workload. Accordingly, SOP may be a risk factor for workaholism when workload is high