A comparison between the effort-reward imbalance and demand control models.

Aleck S Ostry,Shona Kelly,Cameron Mustard,Clyde Hertzman,Paul A Demers

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-3-10

Abstract

BackgroundTo compare the predictive validity of the demand/control and reward/imbalance models, alone and in combination with each other, for self-reported health status and the self-reported presence of any chronic disease condition.MethodsSelf-reports for psychosocial work conditions were obtained in a sample of sawmill workers using the demand/control and effort/reward imbalance models. The relative predictive validity of task-level control was compared with effort/reward imbalance. As well, the predictive validity of a model developed by combining task-level control with effort/reward imbalance was determined. Logistic regression was utilized for all models.ResultsThe demand/control and effort/reward imbalance models independently predicted poor self-reported health status. The effort-reward imbalance model predicted the presence of a chronic disease while the demand/control model did not. A model combining effort-reward imbalance and task-level control was a better predictor of self-reported health status and any chronic condition than either model alone. Effort reward imbalance modeled with intrinsic effort had marginally better predictive validity than when modeled with extrinsic effort only.ConclusionsFuture work should explore the combined effects of these two models of psychosocial stress at work on health more thoroughly.

Highlights

To compare the predictive validity of the demand/control and reward/imbalance models, alone and in combination with each other, for self-reported health status and the selfreported presence of any chronic disease condition
Much of this evidence, accumulated over the past two decades, is based on the demand/control model [1] in which task-level work conditions characterized by low control and high demand have been shown to predict high rates of cardiovascular disease as well as high rates of sickness absence [2,3]
Effort/reward imbalance and job strain independently predicted self-reported health status and both the full and partial effort/reward imbalance models predicted the presence of a chronic condition

Summary

Introduction

To compare the predictive validity of the demand/control and reward/imbalance models, alone and in combination with each other, for self-reported health status and the selfreported presence of any chronic disease condition. In the early 1990s, the effort-reward imbalance model was developed [5] This model postulates that jobs characterized by a perceived imbalance between high effort and low rewards are stressful and will lead to negative health outcomes, in persons with limited coping abilities. This model is meant to tap the attribute of an individual's "need for control"; a personality characteristic related to flexibility in coping. A person with high need for control will respond in an inflexible way to work situations of high effort and low reward; and will be more stressed and disease prone than a person in the same situation who has less need for control

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Discussion

Conclusion