Negative affectivity and common method variance in work-related stress assessment: the role of an integrated approach

This study aims to address the issues of negative affectivity (NA) and common method variance in relation to the exclusive use of self-report measures for evaluating work stress. In particular, it has two main objectives: (a) evaluating the role of NA in the assessment of work stress; (b) verifying the efficacy of an integrated approach that combines self- and hetero-evaluation for assessing work stress. Two instruments were administered to 1750 workers of a services organization: the Qu-Bo Test, for workers’ self-evaluation of both stressors and strain, and the V.I.S. Method for the hetero-evaluation of risk factors by the organization’s stakeholders, including the occupational physician. Results show that NA moderates the relationship between the Interpersonal Conflict risk factor and work stress in terms of Cardiovascular Symptoms and Job Satisfaction.