Organizational Justice Is Related to Heart Rate Variability in White-Collar Workers, but Not in Blue-Collar Workers—Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study

Herr RM, Bosch JA, Van Vianen AEM, Jarczok MN, Thayer JF, Li J, Schmidt B, Fischer JE, Loerbroks A (2015)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2015

Journal

Annals of Behavioral Medicine Springer Verlag (Germany)

Book Volume: 49

Pages Range: 434-448

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.1007/s12160-014-9669-9

Abstract

Background: Perceived injustice at work predicts coronary heart disease. Vagal dysregulation represents a potential psychobiological pathway.Purpose: We examined associations between organizational justice and heart rate variability (HRV) indicators. Grounded in social exchange and psychological contract theory, we tested predictions that these associations are more pronounced among white-collar than among blue-collar workers.Methods: Cross-sectional data from 222 blue-collar and 179 white-collar men were used. Interactional and procedural justice were measured by questionnaire. Ambulatory HRV was assessed across 24 h. Standardized regression coefficients (β) were calculated.Results: Among white-collar workers, interactional justice showed positive relationships with 24-h HRV, which were strongest during sleeping time (adjusted βs ≥0.26; p values ≤0.01). No associations were found for blue-collar workers. A comparable but attenuated pattern was observed for procedural justice.Conclusions: Both dimensions of organizational injustice were associated with lowered HRV among white-collar workers. The impact of justice and possibly its association with health seems to differ by occupational groups.

Authors with CRIS profile

Raphael Herr

Involved external institutions

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg DE Germany (DE) University of Amsterdam NL Netherlands (NL) Ohio State University US United States (USA) (US) Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Herr, R.M., Bosch, J.A., Van Vianen, A.E.M., Jarczok, M.N., Thayer, J.F., Li, J.,... Loerbroks, A. (2015). Organizational Justice Is Related to Heart Rate Variability in White-Collar Workers, but Not in Blue-Collar Workers—Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 49(3), 434-448. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-014-9669-9

MLA:

Herr, Raphael M., et al. "Organizational Justice Is Related to Heart Rate Variability in White-Collar Workers, but Not in Blue-Collar Workers—Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study." Annals of Behavioral Medicine 49.3 (2015): 434-448.

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