Relationship of job satisfaction, psychological distress and stress-related biological parameters among healthy nurses: a longitudinal study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between job satisfaction, psychological distress, psychosocial processes and stress-related biological factors, and to evaluate whether over time changes of work satisfaction could affect the immunological-inflammatory status of workers.


METHODS
One hundred and one nurses were enrolled at the Clinic of Occupational Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy. Perceived job satisfaction, psychological distress, and social support were assessed every 4 mo over a 1-yr period using 4 self-reported questionnaires. T lymphocytes CD3, CD4(+), CD8(+), CD8(+)-CD57(+), B lymphocyte CD19(+), NK cells CD56(+), and NK cell activity were determined.


RESULTS
Job satisfaction was associated with reduced psychological distress and was characterized by low cell numbers of CD8(+) suppressor T cells, CD8(+)-CD57(+) activated T cells, CD56(+) NK cells and low IL-6 levels. Over time changes in psychological parameters were related to changes in the immunological-inflammatory variables. Subjects who increased their job satisfaction showed a reduced psychological stress associated with reduced number of CD8(+)-CD57(+) activated T cells and inflammatory cytokines.


CONCLUSIONS
Job (dis)satisfaction is related with psychological mechanisms in stress affecting cellular immune function.
Amati
Monica
M
Department of Molecular Pathology and Innovative Therapies, Clinic of Occupational Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy. m.amati@univpm.it
Tomasetti
Marco
M
Ciuccarelli
Marida
M
Mariotti
Laura
L
Tarquini
Lucia Miria
LM
Bracci
Massimo
M
Baldassari
Maurizio
M
Balducci
Cristian
C
Alleva
Renata
R
Borghi
Battista
B
Mocchegiani
Eugenio
E
Copertaro
Alfredo
A
Santarelli
Lory
L
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D011594:Psychometrics; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000276:immunology*; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers