The Assessment of Psychosocial Work Conditions and Their Relationship to Well-Being: A Multi-Study Report

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar 4;17(5):1654. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17051654.

Abstract

The aim of this multi-study report is to present a questionnaire that enables researchers and practitioners to assess and evaluate psychosocial risks related to well-being. In Study 1, we conducted a cross-sectional online-survey in 15 German companies from 2016 to 2017 to verify factor- and criterion-related validity. Data consisted of 1151 employee self-ratings. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in an eight-factor structure (CFI = 0.902, RMSEA = 0.058, and SRMR = 0.070). All scales held to excellent internal consistency values (α = 0.65-0.90) and were related significantly to well-being (r = 0.17-0.35, p < 0.001). A second, longitudinal study in 2018 showed satisfying convergent and discriminant validity (N = 293) to scales from KFZA and COPSOQ. Test-retest reliability (N = 73; α = 0.65-0.88, p < 0.05) was also good. The instrument provides incremental validity above existing instruments since it explains additional variance in well-being.

Keywords: psychosocial risk factors at work; questionnaire validation; well-being.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Mental Health*
  • Psychology
  • Psychometrics* / methods
  • Psychometrics* / standards
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires* / standards
  • Workplace* / psychology