Shift work: differences in mood-state and variation of attention during 8-hour-shift work and 12-hour-shift-work

The present study investigates subjective experiences and objective reactio n parameters of 8-hour shift workers and 12-hour workers. It is hypothesize d that the duration of the shirt significantly influences mental and physic al health and also exerts an influence on work capabilites of shift workers . Overall, 28 shift workers, either engaged in 8-hour shifts or 12-hour shi fts, participated in the study. they kept a diary over one month and regist ered several times daily their current mood state, subjectively experienced control over the situation, tiredness, freedom of acting, and errors made at work. Moreover, reaction parameters were obtained by objective reaction tests. The results support the hypothesis that duration of shift-work signi ficantly influences subjective experiences and reaction capabilites. Worker s on 12-hour shifts had better results in all parameters than workers on 8- hour shifts. Especially tiredness was found to be an important factor deter mined by duration of the shift.