Job autonomy and psychological well-being : A linear or a non-linear association?

• This study investigates whether increasing levels of job autonomy are linearly associated with improved psychological well-being, or whether the association is non-linear with higher levels of job autonomy being negatively associated with psychological well-being. The study is based on a survey in 4,340 individuals. After six months a follow-up survey was conducted. Associations were analysed using spline models in cross-sectional and prospective analyses of the full study population. We stratified the study population in four types of work for further cross-sectional analyses. The cross-sectional analysis of the full study population indicated a non-linear relationship as the association attenuated but remained positive at all levels of job autonomy. The prospective analysis indicated a positive linear association. The stratified cross-sectional analyses indicated a linear association in three of the four types of work and a non-linear but positive association among respondents in client-related work. Findings are supported in sensitivity analyses using alternative outcomes: vigour, job satisfaction and work stress. We conclude that job autonomy is positively associated with psychological well-being. Findings have relevance for job redesign by indicating that higher levels of job autonomy are beneficial for the psychological well-being of workers – especially among workers with low levels of job autonomy.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Arbetsmedicin och miljömedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Occupational Health and Environmental Health (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

job control

job resources

job stress

psychosocial working conditions

spline models

psykologi

Psychology

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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