Concentrations of sodium, potassium and cortisol in saliva, and self-reported chronic work stress factors

Burton, R.F., Hinton, J.W., Neilson, E. and Beastall, G. (1996) Concentrations of sodium, potassium and cortisol in saliva, and self-reported chronic work stress factors. Biological Psychology, 42(3), pp. 425-438. (doi: 10.1016/0301-0511(95)05171-6) (PMID:8652757)

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Abstract

One hundred and fifteen electronics factory employees completed questionnaires relevant to work stress, and gave unstimulated saliva samples. As previously found. Perceived Coping Incapacity correlated very significantly with self-reported emotional upset and psychosomatic complaints. Salivary [Na+] correlated significantly with Perceived Coping Incapacity (ϱ = −0.30, p < 0.01), and also with emotional upset (ϱ = −0.19, p < 0.05). Raised [K+] tended to be associated with reduced fatigue (ϱ = −0.21, p < 0.05) and lower self-medication (ϱ = −0.21, p < 0.05) together with a greater perceived personal work responsibility (ϱ = 0.19, p < 0.05) — all consistent with the perception of work demands as positive challenges rather than Stressors. Selfreported fatigue and emotional upset at work gave higher correlations with [K+] and [Na+] than either did on its own. Salivary [cortisol] was uncorrelated with self-reported work stress indices, and with [K+] and [Na+].

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Burton, Dr Richard and Beastall, Dr Graham
Authors: Burton, R.F., Hinton, J.W., Neilson, E., and Beastall, G.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Biological Psychology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0301-0511
ISSN (Online):1873-6246

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