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143-164). Such Self-reports Have Been Found To Predict Health Outcomes As ...

Such self-reports have been found to predict health outcomes as well as or even better than independent measures (Stansfield et al, 1995, pp. 48-53) (Hedin, 1997, pp. 272-278).

Research has identified in very broad terms which characteristics of the psychosocial work environment can be stressful for most people. These largely concern difficulties with workload, work pace, working hours, organisational culture, participation and control, interpersonal relationships, career development, role-related issues and the home-work interface (Cox, et al, 2000). Cox et al (2000) states that other problems may need to be added to this list-such as excessive working hours, lack of feedback, unsuitable or non-existent appraisal mechanisms, poor communication with senior management and inappropriate target-setting.

They add that most research into the relationship between work design, management and health has not explored 'age' as a variable in its own right (Cox, et al, 2000). They continues that age, when it has been considered, has been treated as a potential confound, has usually been partialled out statistically or simply ignored (Cox, et al, 2000). Cox et al (2000) indicates has consequently been assumed that what is 'bad' for one age group (in terms of the psychosocial environment) is 'bad' for all. Cox et al (2000) tell us that the 'big picture' that is available from the scientific literature concerning harmful work characteristics may be masking important age-related differences. Adding that a common assumption has been that older and younger workers think about their work in similar ways, and make judgements on it in much the same way, and subsequently that any models based on a full age range will be meaningful (Cox, et al, 2000).

They indicate that recent research suggests that there are specific characteristics of work that are regarded as particularly problematic by older workers and therefore are likely to be particularly stressful for them (Cox, et al, 2000).

These problems are different from those reported by younger workers, even when doing the same job (Griffiths, 1999, pp. 411-420). The foreging largely reflect high level contextual issues such as management systems and procedures and the knock-on effects of work on home life (Griffiths, 1999, pp. 411-420). Griffiths (1999, pp. 411-420 indicates younger workers' concerns about their work appear more immediate and focused on task content. In a similar vein, other research has found that older workers experience particular problems with lack of recognition, devaluating behaviours of supervisors and colleagues, and disappointment with management: all high level contextual issues (Kloimuller et al, 1997, pp. 454-456).

The studies conducted at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (Ilmarinen et al, 1991, pp.


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