Villaume, Karin

Abstract Traditionally, assessments in psychosocial work environment research and practice utilize unidimensional response formats. This presupposes that higher or lower values are better or worse. Using unidimensional questions to assess multidimensional variables such as workload can be misleading. Two‐dimensional assessments using completing questions that indicate different aspects of the same construct may increase assessment precision and correctness. The current study aims to elucidate if and how two‐dimensional assessments of workload, that is, consistent ratings of high or low workload and level of satisfaction with it in repeated assessments, are related to outcomes in indicators of health, stress, well‐being and the psychosocial work environment, both cross‐sectionally and over time. 1284 study participants were followed for over 2 years. The results clearly and systematically demonstrated that often or rarely having too much to do, is not a reliable nor valid indicator of health, stress, well‐being and psychosocial work environment‐related outcomes. In contrast, the satisfaction dimension is systematically and consistently related to statistically significant and more pronounced differences in these outcomes. To properly help individuals at risk, both aspects of workload need to be assessed and accounted for. Whereas satisfaction is a better indicator of outcomes, the perceived workload magnitude is needed to intervene properly.

Hyperacusis, over‐sensitivity to sounds, causes distress and disability and the etiology is not fully understood. The study aims to explore possible associations between health‐relevant personality traits and hyperacusis. Hyperacusis was assessed using the Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ), and clinical uncomfortable loudness levels (ULL). Personality was measured with the Health‐relevant Personality (HP5i) Inventory. The study sample was 348 (140 men and 208 women; age 23–71 years). Moderate correlations were found between the personality trait negative affectivity (NA; a facet of neuroticism) and dimensions of the HQ and weak correlations were found with the ULLs. Hedonic capacity (a facet of extraversion) was significantly correlated with the HQ but not with the ULLs. Impulsivity (a facet of conscientiousness) was correlated with the HQ and the ULLs. A significant difference in mean values was found in all hyperacusis measures and different levels of NA – those with higher levels displayed more severe signs of hyperacusis. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that higher levels of NA increases the odds of having hyperacusis on average 4.6 times for men and 2.4 times for women. These findings imply that health‐relevant personality traits should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of hyperacusis.