Work addiction in Poland: adaptation of the Bergen Work Addiction Scale and relationship with psychopathology

Abstract

<b>Background</b><br /> Work addiction has been recognized as a potential behavioral addiction, and studies have consistently shown its negative relationship with psychosocial functioning. However, in many countries, such as Poland, very few work addiction studies are based on measures developed using an addiction framework. Against this backdrop, the Bergen Work Addiction Scale (BWAS) was adapted for use in Polish samples and its relationship with psychopathology was investigated.<br /> <br /> <b>Participants and procedure</b><br /> In a pen-and-pencil cross sectional study, the BWAS, the Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale, the Mini-International Personality Item Pool, and questions concerning demographic, health and work-related variables were administered to 723 Polish employees from various professions. Their mean age was 36.37 years (SD = 11.33, range = 20-79).<br /> <b>Results</b><br /> Support for a one-factor solution for the BWAS was found and the BWAS demonstrated good reliability (α = .84). Work addiction was significantly related to specific aspects of work (longer working time and managerial positions), personality traits (higher neuroticism), and psychopathology (depression and attention deficit hyperactivity). The prevalence of work addiction using the BWAS was 17.4% in the present sample.<br /> <br /> <b>Conclusions</b><br /> The Polish BWAS has good psychometric properties and is a suitable scale for the assessment of work addiction based on the findings of the present study.