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

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 assessed. Additionally, a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests measuring crystallized intelligence, cognitive speed, shortterm memory, working memory, and inhibition was administered in a standardized procedure. Controlling for individual differences in age, education, depressive symptoms, selfregulation 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.

Cognitive Reserve Moderates the Predictive Role of Memory Complaints for Subsequent Decline in Executive Functioning

“…Our observations corroborate the key role of leisure activity engagement as major contributor to cognitive reserve for modifying the pathways of cognitive aging [5][6][7][8][16][17][18] and thereby its public importance [19][20][21]. In this regard, the present study reveals cognitive reserve as crucial factor moderating the predictive role of memory complaints for subsequent cognitive development.…”

Cognitive Reserve Attenuates 6-Year Decline in Executive Functioning after Stroke

“…Disentangling the individual contributions to cognitive reserve accumulation across the lifespan, we found that (in contrast to education and cognitive demand of jobs) leisure activity engagement played the key role in this context. Thereby, our observations dovetail with findings that greater leisure activity engagement contributes to cognitive reserve and is associated with better performance and reduced decline in executive functioning [5,[14][15][16] and are therefore of public importance [17,18]. In this regard, the present study further elucidates leisure activity engagement as crucial cognitive-reserve proxy contributing to the build-up of a buffer prior to stroke that will be later instrumental for coping with stroke-related brain damage.…”

Uncovering the care setting–turnover intention relationship of geriatric nurses

“…However, at that point, giving up the nursing profession is often unavoidable. This underlines the need to consider measures regarding maintaining health and work ability (Ihle et al 2015). …”

“…Data are from a larger German study on ''Organizational and Individual Determinants of Geriatric Nurses' Health and Work Ability'' (ODEM study; see Bilinska et al in press;Goerdeler et al 2014;Ihle et al 2015;and Wendsche et al 2014 for how the sample was recruited). The protocol for the individual part of the study included answering a questionnaire about working conditions, work attitudes, and health.…”