Browsing by Author "Putkinen, Katja"

Objective: Physical activity is considered as one of the most effective ways to improve overall health. Studies have found that stressful work conditions can decrease leisure time physical activity but not always and noted that personality traits are connected to both stress at work place as well as physical activity. Hence the relationship between stressful work conditions and physical activity is potentially moderated by individual characteristic, one of them being grit. This study investigated the relationship between stressful work conditions and physical activity, and whether grit moderates it. Methods: Stressful work conditions were measured using Siegrist’s Effort-Reward Imbalance model, physical activity using a Physical Activity Index, and grit using Cloninger’s Temperament and Character Inventory models (TCI) persistence scale. Data was collected in 2007 as a part of Young Finns follow-up study (n= 1336 aged 30 to 45 in 2007). Linear regression was used to study how stressful work conditions, grit and their interaction are associated with physical activity. Results and conclusions: No significant association between highly stressful work conditions and low physical activity was found. Grit was positively associated with high physical activity, but it did not moderate the association between stressful work conditions and physical activity.