I/O Psychology

From Hogwarts to the Boxing ring: Courage, creativity and psychological wellbeing.
In this public lecture Martin will be reflecting on psychological wellbeing and the ways in which it is
linked to courage and creativity. He will of course draw on insights from counselling psychology but
this will be supplemented by insights from a range of other areas, fields as diverse as the Harry Potter
stories, the sport of boxing and MMA and lesbian and gay psychology. Martin will explore and
question the place of such experiences as courage, risk, creativity and standardisation in relation to
psychological wellbeing in our age of ever increasing risk averseness.

Cognitive capital is an important resource for employers. A survey instrument is proposed to evaluate employee’s desire to use their cognitive capital in the workplace. Additionally, the survey incorporates elements to allow for cross analysis of results by whether or not the employee is receiving income from external sources outside their primary employer. This is an important aspect for study due to the increasing need to analyze how universal basic income may potentially impact employee mindset and use of cognitive capital within or external to their work environment.

With the concerns and dissatisfaction with e-learning, educators are searching for alternative instructional delivery solutions to relieve the above problems. The blended e-learning system has been presented as a promising alternative learning approach. While blended learning has been recognized as having a number of advantages, insufficient learning satisfaction is still an obstacle to its successful adoption. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate students’ satisfaction with blended learning course delivery compared to a traditional face-to-face class format in a general multimedia course in physical education. Forty six (n=46) undergraduate students, between the ages of 20-22 years old, were randomly assigned into two teaching method groups: Classroom Lecture Instruction (CLI) and Blended Lecture Instruction (BLI). For the data collection at the end of this study, students completed an online satisfaction questionnaire. Independent sample t-test analysis was conducted to measure students’ satisfaction towards the CLI and BLI methods. Results indicated that a blended course delivery is preferred over the traditional lecture format. These finding suggest that students' satisfaction could increase when the instructor provides learning environments not only in a traditional classroom, but in an asynchronous online system as well.

For industrial and organizational psychologists who are unfamiliar with the mindfulness literature, Hyland, Lee, and Mills (2015) nicely introduce the concept by highlighting key findings from prior studies. Although their review focuses on the many benefits of mindfulness, we believe that mindfulness research should address certain questions that will help us understand whether mindfulness interventions result in a cost-effective positive return on investment. In alignment with the perspective of evidence-based practice (Briner & Rousseau, 2011; Pfeffer & Sutton, 2006), we call for a holistic evaluation of mindfulness, including a consideration of when or how unintended side effects emerge. Importantly, we discuss the potential mechanisms by which mindfulness generates valued outcomes (e.g., performance and collective psychological climate) and the need for more sophisticated research to isolate these causal effects. We also consider how the judicious use of utility analytics (e.g., cost effectiveness and return on investment) might help demonstrate the value of mindfulness interventions while also acknowledging questions of causality that must be addressed for such value to be experienced. We close by clarifying that we have the intention of promoting research to further evidence-based practices. There are organizations that have already begun providing mindfulness meditation interventions, and it is our hope that our commentary will help practitioners in these settings to consider the evidence suggesting that there may be unknown nuances regarding mindfulness practice. Ultimately, we believe that mindfulness is an important burgeoning area of research deserving of more scholarly attention.

The tactics used by people at work to influence their superiors, co-workers, and subordinates were investigated in two studies. In the first study, 165 lower-level managers wrote essays describing an incident in which they influenced either
their bosses, co-workers, or subordinates. Through content analysis, a total of 370 influence tactics grouped into 14 categories were identified. The tactics ranged from the use of rational discussion through the use of exchange tactics to
the use of clandestine tactics. In a second study, the 370 influence tactics were rewritten into a 58-item questionnaire. New respondents described the extent to which they used each item to influence their bosses (n = 225), co-workers (n =
285), or subordinates (n = 244). Based on afactor analysis of the questionnaire, eight dimensions of influence were found: assertiveness, ingratiation, rationality, sanctions, exchange, upward appeals, blocking, and coalitions. It was found
that the frequency with which each influence dimension was used related to the relative power of the respondents and their targets of influence, the reasons for exercising influence, the resistance of the target person, the organizational status of the respondents, organizational size, and whether the organization was unionized. Sex of the respondents and sex of the respondents' bosses, however, were not related to the choice of influence tactics in the present study.

(Comment): This is a rare study describing the development and validation of a psychological test of perceived social support as conducted in a war-torn field setting. Although originally developed for use with Bosnian adolescents who, due to ethnic cleansing and other war-related horrors, lost (due to traumatic deaths, genocide, abductions and disappearances, natural deaths, and lengthy or permanent involuntary separations from loved ones)  much of their social networks, the Multi-Sectory Social Support Inventory (MSSI) described herein can be used with many different child and adolescent populations. Four primary strengths of the MSSI  include: (1) It is based on Weiss's social provisions theory and is thus amenable to evaluating the perceived availability of specific types of support (e.g., pursuant to evaluating the "matching" hypothesis). (2) The MSSI  captures perceived social support from four different sectors of youths' social networks including nuclear family, extended family, peers, and adult friends and mentors (and is thus amenable to evaluating the "compensatory" hypothesis in a research study). (3) The MSSI can be used to help clients problem-solve which individuals within specific sectors are appropriate sources of specific types of support as part of an intervention, and thereby serve as a useful supplemental tool with different interventions (specifically the social support seeking skills sections) of several interventions I have co-authored including Psychological First Aid (PFA), Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR), and Trauma and Grief Component Therapy (TGCT). And (4) the MSSI has thus far been used in a variety of field studies, including in adapted form with war refugees (e.g., see the work of Heidi Ellis).

The WOrk-reLated Flow inventory (WOLF) measures flow at work, defined as a short-term peak experience characterized by absorption, work enjoyment, and intrinsic work motivation. Results of Study 1 among 7 samples of employees (total N= 1346) from different occupational groups offer support for the factorial validity and reliability of the WOLF. Study 2 examined the validity of the WOLF in more detail among some of the samples.

Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ) has been extensively used to assess coping styles in the clinical or non-clinical context. The present study investigates the psychometric properties of WCQ in Turkish culture and attempts to get its shorter version by using three separate and independent samples (two groups of university students and one community sample). The constructive study was conducted with a sample of full-time university students (N = 472) and it indicated that the most relevant factor structure was seven-factor model. The factors were planful problem-solving, seeking refuge in supernatural forces, keep to self, seeking social support, seeking refuge in fate, escape/avoidance and accepting responsibility. After that, confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test the adequacy of these factors with two different samples. Study 1 was conducted with a sample of university students (N = 485) and Study 2 was conducted with a sample of community (N = 416). Results demonstrated that seven-factor solution revealed better results in both samples in terms of goodness of fit indexes in confirmatory factor analysis. The results of reliability and validity analysis revealed that psychometric properties of WCQ were acceptable. In addition to getting shorter version of WCQ, the present study enhances cross-cultural information that increases awareness about the coping styles in a non-western culture.



Key Practitioners Message

Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ) is a feasible measure especially for non-native clinicians to understand the client's coping styles by exploring and being sensitive to his/her cultural values in order to establish therapeutic alliance throughout the therapy assess.
Turkish version of WCQ includes specifi c dimensions of seeking refuge in fate and supernatural forces.
Clinicians can assess behavioural as well as cognitive responses of coping behaviours by WCQ.
WCQ can be used to identify focal point of the therapy when dealing with depression, negative affect and self esteem problems of Turkish clients.

Previous research has shown that major life events can have short- and long-term effects on subjective well-being (SWB). The present meta-analysis examines (a) whether life events have different effects on affective and cognitive well-being and (b) how the rate of adaptation varies across different life events. Longitudinal data from 188 publications (313 samples, N = 65,911) were integrated to describe the reaction and adaptation to 4 family events (marriage, divorce, bereavement, childbirth) and 4 work events (unemployment, reemployment, retirement, relocation/migration). The findings show that life events have very different effects on affective and cognitive well-being and that for most events the effects of life events on cognitive well-being are stronger and more consistent across samples. Different life events differ in their effects on SWB, but these effects are not a function of the alleged desirability of events. The results are discussed with respect to their theoretical implications, and recommendations for future studies on adaptation are given.

A 4 part series of papers which present the case study of Bobby a working mother, whose child is diagnosed as special needs, across a span of years. It looks at the relationship between the organization for which Bobby works and the employee from an Organizational Development lens assuming the author of the paper was hired by the organization as a Leadership and Training consultant. Lifespan Development theory is applied to this case supported by the works and theories of Barnard, Bowlby, Maslow, Soloman, Sameroff, and Zubka. These theories combine the theories of both Business and Psychology in an organic structure to offer a workable solution through the lens of I/O Psychology.

Many of today's organizations compete and try to survive on the basis of cutting prices and costs through redesigning business processes and downsizing the number of employees. Since there is a limit to cutting prices and downsizing,“New thinking and new approaches have become necessary for organizations to survive and to create sustainable growth and development”(Luthans, Norman, Avolio & Avey, in press; see also, Bakker & Schaufeli, 2008). This chapter proposes such a new approach: building engagement.

This non-experimental cross-sectional design study examined the relationship between conflict in idealized occupation and attained occupation and scores on measures on distress, ego status, and satisfaction.  The study was designed to examine the unanswered question of whether the predictive effects of adolescent aspirations on adult well-being persist through adulthood.  Two research questions and four hypotheses were investigated.  First, that there existed a significant relationship between ego status scores and conflict in aspirations and later occupation.  Second, that a significant relationship existed between distress scores and these two groups.  Third, that a significant relationship existed between satisfaction scores these two groups.  Finally, that present psychosocial stage age was related with scores on measures of ego status, distress, or satisfaction.  There were two predictor variables, psychosocial stage age and aspiration / occupation congruence.  The psychosocial stage variable segregated participants into four age-based cohorts.  The aspiration / occupation variable had two levels, individuals with either congruent or incongruent adolescent aspirations and adult occupations.  The criterion variables of ego status, distress, and satisfaction were measured using the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire, Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, and Satisfaction With Life Survey.  The study questionnaire was delivered online, with a final sample size of 234 native-born, English-speaking, current United States residents over age 22.  Data were subject to descriptive, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple regression statistics.  Results indicated significant relationships between aspiration/occupation congruence and the criterion variables of ego status and distress scores, as well as psychosocial stage and the criterion variables of the Exploration scale of the EIPQ and distress scores.  No significant results were found relating to satisfaction.  The author concluded that the findings of previous research indicating there was a predictive relationship between similar conflicts and adult well-being three years later could be extended throughout adulthood, and these findings further support and extend the theories of Erikson and Marcia. Recommendations include further longitudinal research, research on satisfaction determinants and measures, and a focus on reasonable and reasoned adolescent career goal development.

Industrial and Organizational Psychology is a combined science of three components: psychology, industry, and organization. Psychology itself is a scientific studying behavioral and mental processes. And industrial psychology is a branch of science that tries to use a management point of view through organizational efficiency by using the right human resources or people related to the problems of efficient job design, employee selection, employee training, and performance appraisals. The role of psychology in the science of I/O Psychology is to answer psychological problems by combining industry and organization as a practical way to solve emerging problems. Before studying I/O Psychology further, its better to know the introduction of the science itself. This paper contains basic explanations of I/O Psychology such as its definition, history, and its scope, that can lead us to know the introduction of I/O Psychology further.

Employees who are engaged in their work are fully connected with their work roles. They are bursting with energy, dedicated to their work, and immersed in their work activities. This article presents an overview of the concept of work engagement. I discuss the antecedents and consequences of engagement. The review shows that job and personal resources are the main predictors of engagement. These resources gain their salience in the context of high job demands. Engaged workers are more open to new information, more productive, and more willing to go the extra mile. Moreover, engaged workers proactively change their work environment in order to stay engaged. The findings of previous studies are integrated in an overall model that can be used to develop work engagement and advance job performance in today’s workplace.

Recent research suggests that romantic love may be literally addictive. Although the exact nature of the relationship between love and addiction has been described in inconsistent terms throughout the literature, we offer a framework that distinguishes between a narrow view and a broad view of love addiction. The narrow view counts only the most extreme, harmful forms of love or love-related behaviors as being potentially addictive in nature. The broad view, by contrast, counts even basic social attachment as being on a spectrum of addictive motivations, underwritten by similar neurochemical processes as more conventional addictions. We argue that on either understanding of love-as-addiction, treatment decisions should hinge on considerations of harm and well-being rather than on definitions of disease. Implications for the ethical use of anti-love biotechnology are considered.

Abstract 1. This study among 12,359 employees working in 148 organizations tested the interaction hypothesis of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model. Accordingly, employees endorse most positive work attitudes (task enjoyment and organizational commitment) when job demands and job resources are both high.

Laypeople and many social scientists assume that superior reasoning abilities lead to greater well-being. However, previous research has been inconclusive. This may be because prior investigators used operationalizations of reasoning that favored analytic as opposed to wise thinking. We assessed wisdom in terms of the degree to which people use various pragmatic schemas to deal with social conflicts. With a random sample of Americans we found that wise reasoning is associated with greater life satisfaction, less negative affect, better social relationships, less depressive rumination, more positive vs. negative words used in speech, and greater longevity. The relationship between wise reasoning and well-being held even when controlling for socio-economic factors, verbal abilities, and several personality traits. As in prior work there was no association between intelligence and well-being. Further, wise reasoning mediated age-related differences in well-being, particularly among the middle-aged and older adults. Implications for research on reasoning, well-being and aging are discussed.

Perfectionists have been described as people who want to be perfect in all domains of their lives. Few studies to date, however, have investigated what domains people are perfectionistic in. Using two samples (109 university students, 289 Internet users), the present study investigated how being perfectionistic in 22 domains of life was related to perfectionism, age, gender, and satisfaction with life. Across samples, work and studies were the domains that most participants reported being perfectionistic in, followed by bodily hygiene, spelling, and presentation of documents. Whereas age, gender, and satisfaction with life showed significant relationships with selected domains of life, perfectionism showed significant positive correlations with the overall score (number of domains affected by perfectionism) and with being perfectionistic in individual domains. Further analyses showed that self-oriented perfectionism, rather than socially prescribed perfectionism, was responsible for these correlations. The findings indicate that, in most domains, being perfectionistic is internally motivated and not externally motivated. Moreover, they show that, while some perfectionists may be perfectionistic across domains, most perfectionists are perfectionistic only in selected domains.

Humanity is on the threshold of recognizing the fundamental error in its view of life and death. Both death as well as active life is necessary to the vital formation of a larger, more essential whole. In this paper, I apply the sociology of knowledge and change as it pertains to death and focus on ways in which we can step outside its traditional frameworks and limitations. I also discuss topics related to death such as birth, aging, sickness, and war, and examine cultural differences in attitudes toward death. I offer varying perspectives including the Buddhist view and from these draw implications and conclusions. I apply the lenses of contemporary social scientists such as Edgar Morin, Kenneth Gergen, Edward Stewart, Milton Bennett, Mary Catherine Bateson, E. Doyle McCarthy, Philip Slater, and Piotr Sztompka. To these I add other relevant passages from the writings and speeches of key thinkers on the topic of death, in particular, Buddhist philosopher, peacebuilder, and educator, Daisaku Ikeda. To construct a more humanistic and sustainable view of life, it is first of all crucial to establish a culture which perceives death in its larger living context as but one cycle in the expansive eternity of life.