An investigation into the personality factors associated with occupational overuse syndrome

Abstract

Previous research has shown a relationship between stress-related disorders and neurotic personality traits. Additionally, previous research has shown a relationship between work-related behaviours and OOS symptoms. The present study investigated the personality factors associated with Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS), focussing on the role of Neuroticism. The study concurrently sought to confirm the relationship between OOS and work-related psychosocial variables. A total of 182 respondents completed four questionnaires: The NEO-PI-R; Work Environment Scale (WES); Organisational Environment Scale (OES); and questionnaire designed to measure incidence, type and frequency of OOS symptoms. 80% of the respondents reported that they had experienced OOS symptoms at least once, indicating that the experience of such symptoms is common, and may not be a problem in itself. Results showed a significant positive relationship between OOS and the Neuroticism and Openness domains, and a significant negative relationship between OOS and the Conscientiousness domain. The results suggest that it is not Type A personalities, per se that suffer more from OOS, but rather, those with Neurotic tendencies and an inability to address problems. Implications for the above results and suggestions for future research are discussed.