Psychological climate as a predictor of hospital professionals? health and well-being

Abstract

Psychological climate as a proximal representation of organizational structures, processes and events (Rousseau, 1988) as well as a meaning attribution processes in the work context (Weick, 1995) as been reported as an important predictor of individual behavior, health, and well-being in organizations (Parker, Baltes, Young, Huff, Altmann, Lacost & Roberts, 2003). In this study we examine the relationship between psychological climate and health and well-being of health care professionals. Drawing on Jones and James (1979) model of psychological climate, several facets of climate are measured as well as multiple dimensions of health and well-being: perception of physical health, vitality, cognitive functioning, social functioning, and affective well-being. Results suggested that psychological climate is a strong predictor of employees health and well-being. Results also suggested that work satisfaction mediates the relationship between perceptions of work and environment characteristics and health and well-being. Practical implications are discussed and interventions to improve quality of work life are suggested.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v21i1.355