Aims: Work-related diabetes distress (WRDD) can be defined as the combination of anxiety and exhaustion to combine work with diabetes in working life and this is a current problem. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of WRDD and covariation between WRDD and working life variables relevant to occupational health among professionals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in Sweden. Method: This is a quantitative cross-sectional study in the form of a survey. The sample was a closed group on Facebook for people with type 1 diabetes, all members were offered to answer a questionnaire with validated questions about psychosocial working conditions, work requirements, work ability, diabetes acceptance and blood sugar levels. To investigate the occurrence of WRDD, descriptive analyses and cross-tabulation were carried out. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate associations between the dependent variable (WRDD) and the independent variables (psychosocial working conditions, work requirements, work ability, diabetes acceptance and blood sugar levels). Main result: The survey was answered by 191 respondents. The incidence of WRDD in the sample was 71.7%. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant relationship (p <0.05) between the independent variables work ability, blood sugar level, diabetes acceptance, and the dependent variable WRDD. The odds of having WRDD were three times higher in those individuals who experienced poorer work ability, had difficulty accepting their diabetes or maintained a higher blood sugar level at work. Conclusions: The results showed that WRDD is a problem causing working life consequences and should be given more attention both in healthcare and working life. Increased knowledge and understanding of the challenges WRDD can cause for people with type 1 diabetes in working life is necessary to be able to prevent WRDD. / Syfte: Work-related diabetes distress (WRDD) kan definieras som en kombination av oro för och utmattning av att förena arbete med diabetes i arbetslivet och är ett aktuellt problem. Studiens syfte var att studera förekomsten av WRDD och samvariationen mellan WRDD och andra arbetsrelaterade variabler relevanta för arbetshälsa bland yrkesverksamma diagnostiserade med typ 1 diabetes i Sverige. Metod: Studien var en kvantitativ tvärsnittsstudie i form av en enkätundersökning riktad till yrkesverksamma personer med typ 1 diabetes. Urvalet var en sluten grupp på Facebook för personer med typ 1 diabetes, alla medlemmar i gruppen fick erbjudande om att svara på en enkät innehållande validerade frågor om psykosociala arbetsförhållanden, arbetskrav, arbetsförmåga, diabetesacceptans och blodsockernivå. För att undersöka hur förekomsten av WRDD såg ut genomfördes deskriptiva analyser och korstabulering. Logistisk regressionsanalys användes för att undersöka om det fanns samband mellan den beroende variabeln (WRDD) och de oberoende variablerna (psykosociala arbetsförhållanden, arbetskrav, arbetsförmåga, diabetesacceptans och blodsockernivå). Huvudresultat: Enkäten besvarades av 191 respondenter. Förekomsten av WRDD hos de svarande var 71,7%. Den multipla logistiska regressionsanalysen visade ett signifikant samband (p <0.05) mellan arbetsförmåga, blodsockernivå, diabetesacceptans och WRDD. Oddsen för att ha WRDD var tre gånger högre hos de individer som upplevde sämre arbetsförmåga, hade svårt att acceptera sin diabetes eller höll en högre blodsockernivå på arbetet. Slutsatser: Resultaten visade att WRDD är ett problem med arbetslivskonsekvenser som behöver uppmärksammas mer både inom vården och i arbetslivet. Ökad kunskap och förståelse för de utmaningar WRDD kan medföra för personer med typ 1 diabetes i arbetslivet är nödvändigt för att kunna förebygga WRDD.

The study was conducted to assess the state of leadership characteristics and the impact these variables have on employee self-esteem and employee work-related outcomes in a South African power utility in particular power station environment. The inquiry was conducted in a natural working environment of an organisation where respondents are situated/ located (i.e. a field study). A stratified convenience sampling approach was used to carry out the study using a structured questionnaire developed from predictors used by other researchers. The questionnaire, based on a four-point, five-point and seven-point Likert scale with leader’s characteristics such as articulation of vision, individualised support, intellectual, stimulation, forcing acceptance of group goals, high performance expectations, appropriate role modelling and performance feedback, mediating variables such as self-esteem and work-related outcomes such as organisational commitment and work-success, was designed to capture the state of affairs within the organisation based on the employees perceptions of their experiences of these variables. 150 questionnaires were distributed of which 115 were returned and all 115 were useable. This data was analysed using statistical tools such as correlation and regression analysis. The descriptive statistics indicated that the majority of leader’s characteristics unveiled a moderate agreement whilst the work related outcomes indicated that employees were neutral to agree with statements. The correlations analysis showed predominantly strong relationship between leader’s characteristics, self-esteem and work related outcomes with some few small and medium relationships. Recommendations to improve work-related outcomes are provided to the organisation. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The study was conducted to assess the state of leadership characteristics and the impact these variables have on employee self-esteem and employee work-related outcomes in a South African power utility in particular power station environment. The inquiry was conducted in a natural working environment of an organisation where respondents are situated/ located (i.e. a field study). A stratified convenience sampling approach was used to carry out the study using a structured questionnaire developed from predictors used by other researchers. The questionnaire, based on a four-point, five-point and seven-point Likert scale with leader’s characteristics such as articulation of vision, individualised support, intellectual, stimulation, forcing acceptance of group goals, high performance expectations, appropriate role modelling and performance feedback, mediating variables such as self-esteem and work-related outcomes such as organisational commitment and work-success, was designed to capture the state of affairs within the organisation based on the employees perceptions of their experiences of these variables. 150 questionnaires were distributed of which 115 were returned and all 115 were useable. This data was analysed using statistical tools such as correlation and regression analysis. The descriptive statistics indicated that the majority of leader’s characteristics unveiled a moderate agreement whilst the work related outcomes indicated that employees were neutral to agree with statements. The correlations analysis showed predominantly strong relationship between leader’s characteristics, self-esteem and work related outcomes with some few small and medium relationships. Recommendations to improve work-related outcomes are provided to the organisation. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Aims and Rationale: The present study aims to enrich understanding of the professional identity of counselling psychology in the UK by exploring both the individual professional identities of counselling psychologists and the broader identity of the profession as a whole. This will elaborate on the existing literature base and allow the researcher to gather a breadth of perspectives of counselling psychology identity whilst also exploring the issues surrounding the identity development of practitioners in greater depth. Method: The study adopts a triangulation mixed methods design to explore the professional identity of counselling psychologists (Cresswell, Plano Clark, Guttman & Hanson, 2003). An exploratory online survey was designed to explore 1) the training, employment and practice characteristics of counselling psychologists and 2) their perception of the role, contribution and future identity of the profession. Concurrent with this data collection, qualitative interviews were conducted which aimed to explore the participants’ experience of training and working as a counselling psychologist, and develop an understanding of factors that have impacted upon their individual professional identity. Results: Both data sources contribute to the conception of counselling psychology as a diverse and multi-faceted profession. ‘Unity within diversity’ has been proposed as an overarching theme that marries the data sources and highlights the different ways in which counselling psychologists experience and articulate their individual professional identity, and the collective identity of the profession. Conclusions: The findings reveal there is no single professional identity inherent within counselling psychology. Multiple professional identities exist and are shaped by a range of factors. Uniting these diverse identities is a central commitment to a humanistic philosophy and value base. This provides a foundation on which therapeutic decision making is made and clients’ difficulties conceptualised. Whilst counselling psychology’s interest in identity and critical self-reflection has been questioned, this process may allow the profession to remain alert to the changing professional climate and adapt their practice to ensure that they remain valuable and are not overlooked within the field of therapeutic provision.

Despite increased awareness about patient safety and quality of care, errors and adverse outcomes occur frequently in clinical practice. An estimated 10% of the 35.1 million U.S. hospital patients suffered injuries caused by medical errors; the most common were medication errors, which accounted for more than 50% of all medical errors. Work-related stress is associated with medication errors for health care professionals (HCP) in Saudi Arabia (SA) hospitals; however, the specific types of stressors and their effect on the level of medication errors have not been studied in SA. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between the overall level and sources of work-related stress using the job stress scale on the level of medication errors for a group of 269 HCPs working at King Abdul-Aziz Hospital (KAH) in SA. The theoretical framework for this research was the Donabedian patient safety model, which relates healthcare quality to personal, environmental, and organizational factors. Binary logistic regression analyses indicated there was no relationship between overall levels of stress and medication errors. However, specific sources of work related stress such as disruption to home life, excessive workload, and night/weekend call duties were associated with a significant increase in the medication error rate, while pressure to meet deadlines and difficulties with colleagues was associated with a significant decrease in the medication error rate. Positive social change implications include how understanding the impact of work-related stress on medication errors by SA HCPs may lead to specific interventions to reduce medication errors and improve patient care.

Sjuksköterskor arbetar ofta i en miljö med stort ansvar och höga krav som kan leda till arbetsrelaterad stress som kan hota sjuksköterskornas hälsa och patientsäkerheten. Syftet med studien var att få ökad kunskap om sjuksköterskors upplevelser av arbetsrelaterad stress. Studien genomfördes som en litteraturstudie med sju vetenskapliga artiklar som låg till grund för studiens resultat. Efter granskning och analys av artiklarna framkom tre kategorier: kommunikationens och personalrelationers betydelse för upplevelsen av arbetsrelaterad stress, arbetsbelastningens betydelse för upplevelsen av arbetsrelaterad stress samt sjuksköterskeyrkets värde ur organisatoriskt-, samhälls- och personligt perspektiv. Studiens resultat visade att sjuksköterskor i flera länder upplevde stress i arbetet. Faktorer som i huvudsak bidrog till ökad arbetsrelaterad stress var brister i kommunikationen i sjuksköterskegruppen och även med olika professioner, hög arbetsbelastning samt sjuksköterskeyrkets nedvärdering ur organisatorisk-, samhälls- och ett personligt perspektiv. Det framkom även faktorer som bidrog till minskad arbetsrelaterad stress, till exempel reflektion i personalgruppen, möjlighet till rast samt delaktigtighet i organisationen. Vidare forskning för att belysa patienters, samt samhällets perspektiv på arbetsrelaterad stress hade varit av vikt för att uppmärksamma arbetsrelaterad stress inom sjukvården. / Nurses do often work in an environment with a big responsibility and high demands that can lead to work-related stress and can become a threat to nurses health and the patient safety. The aim of this study was to gain better knowledge about nurses ́ experiences of work-related stress. The study was performed as a literature study with seven scientific articles which formed the base for the result. After reviewing and analyzing the articles three themes occurred: The role of communication and relationship between workers for the experience of work- related stress, the role of workload for the experience of work-related stress and the worth of the nurse profession in an organizational-, societal- and a personal perspective. The result showed that nurses in several countries experienced stress in their work. The main factors for work- related stress were poor communication within a professional group and between nurses and other healthcare professionals, high workload, and the depreciation from an organizational-, societal- and personal perspective. The result also showed that work- related stress could be reduced with reflection, the opportunity to take breaks and participation in the organization. Further research to enlighten patients ́ and the society ́s perspective on work- related stress would be important to draw attention to work-related stress in healthcare.

Considering the increasing levels of unemployment and underemployment, and the limited evidence concerning the impact of underemployment on health, my study examines the relations between subjective, objective, and time-related underemployment and employees’ health-related quality of life, as manifested through self-rated health, activity limitations and work-related stress. The study compares an expanded model of work-health relations that, along with the factors addressed by control-demand, and social capital theories, includes characteristics of the physical work environment, and employees’ economic class. In addition to the commonly examined factors related to employment and health (control-demand and social capital), my study explores the impact of the work environment (hazards, discomfort and physical demands) and economic class to determine the specific effects of underemployment on an employee’s health-related quality of life. My main argument is that underemployment, in conjunction with lower economic class, higher exposure to a harmful work environment, lack of control over work, and lower social capital, contributes to increased work-related stress and diminishes health-related quality of life. The study applies a mixed methodological approach based on data from the Canadian Work and Lifelong Learning Survey and the US General Social Survey, and qualitative analysis of interviews from the Ontario Survey on Education-Job Requirements Matching. Evidence based on cross-sectional and qualitative data analysis provides consistent findings and confirms the main assumption that high levels of underemployment have a significant effect on employees’ health-related quality of life. The study shows that employees’ economic class, characteristics of work environment and control over work carry the highest associations with health-related quality of life, while underemployment has a significant additive association with health-related quality of life, most importantly with work-related stress.

Syftet med studien var att beskriva nyutexaminerade sjuksköterskors upplevelser av arbetsrelaterad stress samt att beskriva deras upplevelser av vad stress kan leda till för konsekvenser. En deskriptiv intervjustudie med kvalitativ ansats genomfördes. Datainsamlingen utfördes genom åtta semistrukturerade intervjuer. Det insamlade materialet analyserades med kvalitativ manifest innehållsanalys. Huvudresultatet påvisade att nyutexaminerade sjuksköterskor har upplevt stress under sin första tid i yrket, bland annat till följd av att det är en tid av osäkerhet. Nyutexaminerade sjuksköterskor har beskrivit att upplevelsen av stress har minskat med tilltagna kunskaper och erfarenheter samt minskade krav på sig själv i yrkesrollen. Sjuksköterskeyrket har beskrivits vara stressigt på grund av en mängd olika orsaker men det finns åtgärder som kan vidtas för att minska stressen. Stressen har beskrivits kunna leda till konsekvenser både för sjuksköterskan som individ och för omvårdnaden av patienterna, vilket har beskrivits kunna resultera i känslor som frustration och otillräcklighet. I linje med Benners teori kan konstateras att nyutexaminerade sjuksköterskor genomgår en yrkesutveckling vilken leder till en upplevelse av minskad stress. Stress inom sjuksköterskeyrket är ett komplext problem som måste angripas från flera håll. För den nyutexaminerade sjuksköterskan är det av stor vikt att vara snäll mot sig själv i yrkesrollen genom att inte ha för höga krav på sig själv, detta för att kunna utöva sin yrkesroll som innebär att bedriva optimal patientfokuserad omvårdnad. / The aim of the study was to describe newly graduated nurses' experiences of work-related stress and to describe their experiences of what consequences stress can lead to. A descriptive interview study with qualitative approach was used. Data collection was performed by eight semi-structured interviews. The collected data was analyzed using qualitative manifest content analysis. The main result demonstrates that newly graduated nurses experienced stress in the beginning of their profession, partly because it is a time of uncertainty. Newly graduated nurses have described a decreased experience of stress with increased knowledge and experience, and reduced demands on herself in the professional role. Nursing is described to be stressful due to a variety of causes but there are measures that can be used to reduce stress. Stress has been described to cause consequences both for the nurse as an individual and for the care of patients, which has been described to result in feelings such as frustration and inadequacy. In line with Benner's theory it can be stated that newly graduated nurses undergo a professional development which lead to a experience of decreased stress. Stress in the nursing profession is a complex problem that must be dealt with on several fronts. For the newly graduated nurse it is very important that she is gentle with herself in the professional role by not having too high demands on herself to be able to practice her profession, that is carry out optimal patient-focused nursing.

The mining industry plays an important role in the economy of South Africa. This industry is an employer of thousands of people and the development of South Africa has depended on the development of the mining industry in more than one way. However, working conditions in the mining industry is poor, harsh and dangerous and employees are also faced with job insecurity. This may lead to stressors in the working environment and these stressors, which are closely related to work characteristics, may have negative effects on employees as well as on their productivity levels. Studies relating organisational resources to work-related flow have provided additional evidence for the motivational potential of resources. The focus of this study is on job characteristics, consisting of job demands and job resources and whether these characteristics can foster work-related flow. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between job demands, job resources and work-related flow and to determine whether the availability of job resources and the lack of job demands foster the experience of work-related flow. The research method consisted of a literature review and an empirical study. A cross-sectional survey design was used o collect the data. An availability sample (N = 326) from employees in the mining industry was taken. The Job Demands and Resources Scale (JDRS) (which was developed for the purpose of this study to measure job demands and job resources for employees in the mining industry) and the Work-Related Flow scale (WOLF) and a biographical questionnaire were also administered The statistical analysis was carried out with the help of the SPSS programme and AMOS programme. The statistical methods utilised in the article consisted of descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha coefficients , Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients and structural equation modelling methods. Pearson product moment correlation in this study showed that Supervision correlated positively with Task Freedom, Support, Pay and Benefits, Opportunities for Growth and Resources Availability. Workload correlated positively with Working Conditions. Working Conditions correlated positively with Working Hours and negatively with Resources Availability. Task Freedom correlated positively with Opportunities for Growth and Intrinsic Motivation, and Support correlated positively with Opportunity for Growth Pay and Benefits correlated positively with Opportunity for Growth and Resource Availability, whereas Opportunity for Growth correlated positively to Work Enjoyment. Resources Availability correlates negatively with Working Hours, and Absorption indicates a positive correlation to Work Enjoyment and Intrinsic Motivation. Work Enjoyment correlates positively to intrinsic Motivation A structural model of work-related flow for employees in the mining industry comprising of job demands, job resources and work-related flow was tested. Job Resources (i.e. Supervision, Task Freedom, Support, Pay and Benefits, Opportunity for Growth, and Resource Availability) may have a positive impact on Work-Related Flow and could increase the levels of work-related flow of employees in the mining industry. Job Demands (i.e. Workload, Working conditions, Job Security, and Working Hours) has a negative impact on Work-Related Flow, thus job demands may negatively influence the experience of work-related flow in employees in the mining industry. Recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

The technological era in which modern day organisations function, attempting to make every aspect of service more efficient and customer friendly, has cultivated a need within organisations to invent new ways of service. Call centres are one way in which organisations are trying to improve their customer service. For this reason, telephone call centres are one of the fastest growing segments of the service sector. The growth in call centres is attributable to the benefits that they offer organisations. Call centres can improve service and retain customers, increase sales and/or revenue and reduce costs and/or improve efficiency. For this reason, organisations are placing an increasing emphasis on the role of call centres regarding the competitiveness of the company and increased pressure on call centre agents. Research indicated that there are certain stressors in the call centre industry. This is emphasised by the high turnover rate and by high absenteeism levels in call centres. Although some studies seem to suggest that working in call centres can be interesting, overall it seems that working in call centres is a stressful experience. The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between job characteristics, work wellness and work-related flow of call centre agents in an insurance company. A cross-sectional design was used with an availability sample (N = 176). A self-constructed instrument (JDRS) was used to measure the unique job demands and job resources in the insurance industry. Along with the JDRS, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Work-Related Flow Scale were used as measuring instruments. Results showed that the unique job demands in a call centre are pressure, working conditions, workload, and job security. The unique job resources are supervision, resources availability, task freedom, pay and benefits, opportunity for growth, and support. Work wellness was found to comprise burnout, work engagement and work-related flow. Multiple regression analysis showed that 6% of the variance in Mental Distance was predicted by Job Demands, with Working Conditions being the only significant predictor. Within Exhaustion, 11% of the variance explained was predicted by Job Demands, with Job Security and Working Conditions being the only significant predictors. No statistically significant predictions were obtained for Work Engagement and Work-Related Flow (i.e. Absorption and Flow). Recommendations were made for future research. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007