A latent profile analysis of shift work tolerance among Chinese male sailors during a prolonged non-24-h rotating shift schedule at sea

Abstract

ABSTRACT Shift work tolerance (SWT) refers to the ability to adapt to shift work without significant adverse consequences. The present study aimed to examine the individual differences in SWT and their predictors and outcomes. Latent profile analyses were conducted using cross-sectional data collected form 448 Chinese male sailors who experienced a prolonged (>30 d) non-24-h rotating shift schedule at sea. Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, fatigue, domestic disruption, job satisfaction, work engagement, digestive and cardiovascular symptoms were included as indicators of SWT. The results showed that there existed 2 latent profiles of SWT named as High SWT group and Low SWT group. High SWT group was characterized by low levels on all negative bio-psycho-social outcomes but high levels of work engagement and job satisfaction, while Low SWT group exhibited completely opposite characteristics compared to High SWT group. The level of hardiness could predict profile membership that those with higher level of hardiness were more likely to belong to High SWT group. However, there were no significant differences observed in job performance between two groups. In conclusion, hardiness can serve as a predictor of personnel selection for shift work and hardiness-based intervention programs should be encouraged among the shift workers.