The associations of temperament traits with effort-reward imbalance
This study examined associations between work stress and temperament. Work stress was measured by effort–reward imbalance (ERI) and temperament was measured by the Revised Dimensions of Temperament Survey (DOTS-R). The subjects were 609 women and 493 men derived from the population-based Young Finns Study. The association between work stress and temperament was examined using linear regression analysis. The results showed that a higher ERI was associated with a higher activity level (general), a higher activity level (sleep), lower rhythmicity (eating) and lower rhythmicity (sleeping). Higher flexibility and a higher mood were associated with a lower ERI. In addition, associations with effort and reward were found. There were no gender differences in the association between ERI and temperament traits. The results of the current study indicate that temperament is associated with work stress and imply that it is desirable to also take personal factors into consideration when work stress in examined.