Comparing the job strain and job demand-control-support models in direct-care disability workers: support for support.
OBJECTIVE
This study attempted to determine the relationship of physiological indices of stress (ie, cortisol and salivary immunoglobulin A) to the job strain and the job demand-control-support models.


METHODS
A sample of 98 direct-care disability workers completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Job Content Questionnaire. In addition, participants' morning saliva samples were analyzed for cortisol and salivary immunoglobulin A concentration levels.


RESULTS
The job strain and job demand-control-support models were tested using structural equation modeling. The job demand-control-support model successfully fitted with the data and was able to predict physiological outcomes, the job strain model did not. The salivary immunoglobulin A scores, in comparison to the cortisol data, were predicted more successfully by these models.


CONCLUSIONS
Researchers are encouraged to study if different employee groups are at-risk for differing types of stress-related-illness, which may be triggered by occupation-specific stressors and/or physiological reactions.
Wright
Bradley James
BJ
School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia. b.wright@latrobe.edu.au
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis*; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000032:analysis*; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000378:metabolism; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*
D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; D006854:Hydrocortisone