BACKGROUND: Perceived injustice at work predicts coronary heart disease. Vagal dysregulation represents a potential psychobiological pathway. PURPOSE: We examined associations between organizational justice and heart rate variability (HRV) indicators. Grounded in social exchange and psychological contract theory, we tested predictions that these associations are more pronounced among white-collar than among blue-collar workers. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 222 blue-collar and 179 white-collar men were used. Interactional and procedural justice were measured by questionnaire. Ambulatory HRV was assessed across 24 h. Standardized regression coefficients (β) were calculated. RESULTS: Among white-collar workers, interactional justice showed positive relationships with 24-h HRV, which were strongest during sleeping time (adjusted βs≥0.26; p values≤0.01). No associations were found for blue-collar workers. A comparable but attenuated pattern was observed for procedural justice. CONCLUSIONS: Both dimensions of organizational injustice were associated with lowered HRV among white-collar workers. The impact of justice and possibly its association with health seems to differ by occupational groups.
BACKGROUND: Perceived injustice at work predicts coronary heart disease. Vagal dysregulation represents a potential psychobiological pathway. PURPOSE: We examined associations between organizational justice and heart rate variability (HRV) indicators. Grounded in social exchange and psychological contract theory, we tested predictions that these associations are more pronounced among white-collar than among blue-collar workers. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 222 blue-collar and 179 white-collar men were used. Interactional and procedural justice were measured by questionnaire. Ambulatory HRV was assessed across 24 h. Standardized regression coefficients (β) were calculated. RESULTS: Among white-collar workers, interactional justice showed positive relationships with 24-h HRV, which were strongest during sleeping time (adjusted βs≥0.26; p values≤0.01). No associations were found for blue-collar workers. A comparable but attenuated pattern was observed for procedural justice. CONCLUSIONS: Both dimensions of organizational injustice were associated with lowered HRV among white-collar workers. The impact of justice and possibly its association with health seems to differ by occupational groups.
Authors: Raphael M Herr; Frenk Van Harreveld; Bert N Uchino; Wendy C Birmingham; Adrian Loerbroks; Joachim E Fischer; Jos A Bosch Journal: J Behav Med Date: 2018-10-26
Authors: Burkhard Schmidt; Raphael M Herr; Marc N Jarczok; Jens Baumert; Karoline Lukaschek; Rebecca T Emeny; Karl-Heinz Ladwig Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2018-04-23 Impact factor: 3.015