Open AccessExploring perceived tension as a response to psychosocial work stress
Author(s) -
Kari Anne Holte,
Ottar Vasseljen,
Rolf H. Westgaard
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of work, environment and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.621
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1795-990X
pISSN - 0355-3140
DOI - 10.5271/sjweh.714
Subject(s) - muscle tension , psychosocial , psychology , tension (geology) , heart rate , differential effects , trapezius muscle , perception , physical therapy , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , blood pressure , electromyography , psychiatry , physics , classical mechanics , neuroscience , moment (physics)
This study extends the concept of tension, in part by observing changes in tension during the workday, to identify episodes causing elevated tension and relate them to bodily responses. Methods Both questionnaires and qualitative interviews were used to describe the tension concept. Tension was scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS) every hour, and trapezius muscle activity and heart rate were recorded. Ninety-four female workers from four service occupations participated.