Published in

Springer, European Journal of Ageing, 2(12), p. 131-140, 2015

DOI: 10.1007/s10433-014-0331-y

Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

The role of cognitive resources for subjective work ability and health in nursing

This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

Full text: Download

Green circle
Preprint: archiving allowed
Orange circle
Postprint: archiving restricted
Red circle
Published version: archiving forbidden
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

Cognitive resources can be considered to be key variables in the context of work ability and health, particularly in the aging workforce. However, research on this issue is sparse, lacking a comprehensive examination of specific cognitive functions. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the association of cognitive resources with subjective work ability and health in more detail. In 166 geriatric care workers (mean age 42.1 years, SD = 11.5, range 20–62), subjective work ability and health were asses- sed. Additionally, a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests measuring crystallized intelligence, cognitive speed, short- term memory, working memory, and inhibition was admin- istered in a standardized procedure. Controlling for individual differences in age, education, depressive symptoms, self- regulation strategies (in terms of selective optimization with compensation), and cognitive resources (particularly better performance in short-term memory, working memory, and inhibition) were related to better subjective work ability and health. The present results demonstrate the relation of a variety of specific cognitive functions with subjective work ability and health over and above individual differences in age, education, depressive symptoms, and self-regulation strategies. Implications to explicitly consider a set of cognitive resources in models of work and organizational psychology, particularly with respect to the aging workforce, are discussed.