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Irrational Beliefs at Work and Their Implications for Workaholism

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Abstract

Introduction This study examined the associations between work-related irrational cognitions and workaholism. For this purpose, a 16-item work-related irrational beliefs questionnaire (WIB-Q) was developed. Methods Employees (n = 913) completed an online survey that included, besides the irrational cognitions scale, measures of negative affect and workaholism. Results The results show that four factors could be distinguished, which represent irrational beliefs concerning (1) performance demands, (2) co-workers’ approval (3) failure and (4) control. All scales showed good internal consistency. Furthermore, it was found that, after controlling for negative affect, performance demands were associated with workaholism, whereas the remaining types of irrationality were unrelated to workaholism. Conclusions In other words, the findings suggest that interventions for workaholism should target irrational self-oriented performance demands and negative emotions. As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy focuses on identifying and replacing irrational cognitions, it appears a useful intervention technique for the treatment of workaholics.

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Notes

  1. As the Chi square statistic is sensitive to sample size and model complexity, other indexes as adjuncts to the Chi square statistic are used to assess model fit.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Corine van Wijhe, Maria Peeters & Wilmar Schaufeli

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  1. Corine van Wijhe
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  2. Maria Peeters
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  3. Wilmar Schaufeli
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Correspondence to Corine van Wijhe.

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van Wijhe, C., Peeters, M. & Schaufeli, W. Irrational Beliefs at Work and Their Implications for Workaholism. J Occup Rehabil 23, 336–346 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-012-9416-7

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