1
|
Steel P, Taras D, Ponak A, Kammeyer-Mueller J. Self-Regulation of Slippery Deadlines: The Role of Procrastination in Work Performance. Front Psychol 2022; 12:783789. [PMID: 35069365 PMCID: PMC8770981 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.783789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the causes and impact of procrastination on "slippery deadlines," where the due date is ill-defined and can be autonomously extended, using the unique applied setting of grievance arbitration across two studies. In Study One, using 3 years of observed performance data derived from Canadian arbitration cases and a survey of leading arbitrators, we examined the effect of individual differences, self-regulatory skills, workloads and task characteristics on time delay. Observed delay here is a critical criterion, where justice is emphasized to be swift and sure. Multilevel Modeling established trait procrastination as a substantive predictor of observed delay, equivalent to the environmental contributors of expediting the arbitration procedure or grievance complexity. Also, despite substantive negative consequence of delay for both arbitrators and their clients, arbitrators who scored one standard deviation above the mean in procrastination took approximately 83 days to write their decisions compared to the 26 days for arbitrators one standard deviation below the mean. In Study Two, we conducted a replication and extension survey with a much larger group of American arbitrators. Consistent with Temporal Motivation Theory (TMT), trait procrastination was largely explained by expectancy, value, and sensitivity to time related traits and skills, which together accounted for majority of the variance in trait procrastination, leaving little left for other explanations. For example, perfectionism connection to procrastination appears to be distal, being largely mediated by each of TMT's core variables. Finally, procrastination was largely synonymous with a deadline pacing style, indicating that observed delay can be used as a proxy for procrastination as long as little or no prior work was done (e.g., a u-shaped pacing style is not synonymous). In all, our results indicate that procrastination is rampant in the workplace and has seriously detrimental effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piers Steel
- Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daphne Taras
- Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Allen Ponak
- Haskayne School of Business, National Academy of Arbitrators, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - John Kammeyer-Mueller
- Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nicolini P, Abbate C, Inglese S, Mari D, Rossi PD, Cesari M. Socially desirable responding in geriatric outpatients with and without mild cognitive impairment and its association with the assessment of self-reported mental health. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:494. [PMID: 34525955 PMCID: PMC8442330 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02435-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Socially desirable responding is a potentially relevant issue in older adults and can be evaluated with the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS). However, the eight-item MCSDS has never been specifically administered to geriatric subjects, and there is a dearth of literature on the relationship between social desirability and cognitive impairment. Also, the connection between social desirability and subjective measures of psychological well-being is a matter of controversy. This study has three main aims. First, to determine the psychometric properties of the eight-item MCSDS in geriatric outpatients without dementia (i.e. with normal cognition (NC) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI)). Second, to investigate the link between social desirability and cognitive functioning. Third, to determine the association between social desirability and the assessment of self-reported mental health. Methods Community-dwelling outpatients (aged ≥ 65) were consecutively recruited and neuropsychologically tested to diagnose NC or MCI (n = 299). Social desirability was assessed with the eight-item MCSDS. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured with the short Geriatric Depression (GDS-s) and the State-Trait Personality Inventory Trait Anxiety (STPI-TA) scales. Results On principal components analysis, the eight-item MCSDS was found to have a multidimensional structure. Of the initial three-component solution, only two subscales had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.6): “Acceptance of responsibility” and “Integrity”. The third subscale (“Kindness towards others”) appeared to gauge two distinct constructs of formal (i.e. politeness) versus substantive (i.e. forgiveness) compassion. On binary logistic regression, only higher income was a significant predictor of formal compassion. Test-retest reliability was substantial to excellent (Gwet’s AC2 ≥ 0.8). There were no meaningful differences in social desirability between the NC and MCI groups. Likewise, negative Spearman’s correlations between social desirability and cognitive Z-scores across the whole sample were weak (rs < |0.3|) and confined to one MCSDS item. Although social desirability was an independent predictor of the STPI-TA score in multiple linear regression, it explained only a marginal amount of incremental variance in anxiety symptoms (less than 2%). Conclusions Our results suggest that social desirability need not be a major concern when using questionnaires to assess mental health in geriatric outpatients without dementia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02435-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Nicolini
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Carlo Abbate
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Inglese
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Mari
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo D Rossi
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Cesari
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Treyer V, Meyer RS, Buchmann A, Crameri GAG, Studer S, Saake A, Gruber E, Unschuld PG, Nitsch RM, Hock C, Gietl AF. Physical activity is associated with lower cerebral beta-amyloid and cognitive function benefits from lifetime experience-a study in exceptional aging. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247225. [PMID: 33606797 PMCID: PMC7895362 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exceptional agers (85+ years) are characterized by preserved cognition presumably due to high cognitive reserve. In the current study, we examined whether personality, risk and protective factors for dementia as well as quality of life are associated with core features of Alzheimer's disease (amyloid-deposition and hippocampal volume) as well as cognition in exceptional aging. METHODS We studied 49 exceptional agers (average 87.8 years, range 84-94 years), with preserved activities of daily living and absence of dementia. All participants received a detailed clinical and neuropsychological examination. We used established questionnaires to measure lifetime experience, personality, recent physical and cognitive activity as well as quality of life. Cerebral amyloid-deposition was estimated by 18-[F]-Flutemetamol-PET and manual hippocampal volumetry was performed on 3D T1 MRI images. RESULTS In this sample of exceptional agers with preserved activities of daily living, we found intact cognitive performance in the subjects with the highest amyloid-load in the brain, but a lower quality of life with respect to autonomy as well as higher neuroticism. Higher self-reported physical activity in the last twelve months went with a lower amyloid load. Higher self-reported leisure-time/ not work-related activity went with better executive functioning at older age. CONCLUSION Even in exceptional aging, high amyloid load may subtly influence personality and quality of life. Our findings support a close relationship between high physical activity and low amyloid-deposition and underscore the importance of extracurricular activities for executive functions. As executive functions are known to be a central resource for everyday functioning in fostering extracurricular activities may be effective in delaying the onset of dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Treyer
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rafael S. Meyer
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Buchmann
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Sandro Studer
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antje Saake
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Esmeralda Gruber
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paul G. Unschuld
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Hospital for Psychogeriatric Medicine, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger M. Nitsch
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neurimmune, Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Hock
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neurimmune, Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anton F. Gietl
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Associations and correlates of general versus specific successful ageing components. Eur J Ageing 2020; 18:549-563. [PMID: 34786016 PMCID: PMC8563891 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-020-00593-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity in the operationalisation of successful ageing (SA) hinders a straightforward examination of SA associations and correlates, and in turn, the identification of potentially modifiable predictors of SA. It is unclear which SA associations and correlates influence all facets of the SA construct, and whether psychosocial reserve models developed in neuropathological ageing research can also be linked to SA. It was therefore the aim of this study to disentangle the effect of various previously identified SA associations and correlates on (1) a general SA factor, which represents the shared underpinnings of three SA facets, and (2) more confined, specific factors, using bifactor modelling. The associations and correlates of three recently validated SA operationalisations were compared in 2478 participants from the German AgeCoDe study, aged 75 years and above. Based on participants’ main occupation, cognitive reserve (CR) and motivational reserve (MR) models were built. Younger age, male gender, more education, higher socio-economic status, being married or widowed, as well as more physical exercise and cognitive activities in old age were found to correlate positively with the general SA factor, indicating a simultaneous effect on all aspects of SA. Smoking and ApoE-ε4 were related only to the physiological facet of SA. CR models were significantly related to the general SA factor. Among all SA associations and correlates, proxy indicators of lifelong cognitive activity and physical exercise showed the strongest effects on SA. Future intervention studies should assess the influence of the preservation of active lifestyle across the life span on SA.
Collapse
|
5
|
Law LLF, Mok VCT, Yau MMK. Effects of functional tasks exercise on cognitive functions of older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled pilot trial. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2019; 11:98. [PMID: 31801630 PMCID: PMC6894271 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-019-0548-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Background Dementia has been presenting an imminent public health challenge worldwide. Studies have shown a combination of cognitive and physical trainings may have synergistic value for improving cognitive functions. Daily functional tasks are innately cognitive demanding and involve components found in common exercise. Individuals with mild cognitive impairment may demonstrate difficulties with complex activities of daily living. Functional tasks could possibly be used as a means of combined cognitive and exercise training for improving cognitive functions. This pilot aims to validate the effects of functional tasks exercise on cognitive functions and functional status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methods A four-arm, rater-blinded randomized controlled trial. Participants (N = 59) were randomized to either a functional task exercise group, a cognitive training group, an exercise training group, or a waitlist control group for 8 weeks. All outcome measures were undertaken at baseline and post-intervention using Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination, Trail Making Test A and B, Chinese Version Verbal Learning Test, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Zarit Burden Interview. Results Results of the Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA showed higher improvement in the functional task exercise group with significant between-group differences in memory (p = 0.009) compared to the exercise group and cognitive training group, functional status (p = 0.005) compared to the cognitive training group and waitlist control group, and caregiver burden (p = 0.037) compared to the exercise group and cognitive training group. Conclusion This pilot study showed that functional tasks exercise using simulated functional tasks as a means of combined cognitive and exercise program is feasible and beneficial in improving the memory and functional status of older adults with mild cognitive impairment as well as reducing the care-related burdens of their caregivers. The present findings warrant further well-designed longitudinal studies to examine the sustainability of effects and draw more definitive conclusions. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN 12616001635459. Registered on 25 November 2016.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawla L F Law
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Tung Wah College, Block A, 98 Shantung Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong SAR.
| | - Vincent C T Mok
- Therese Pei Fong Chow Research Centre for Prevention of Dementia, Gerald Choa Neuroscience Centre, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Matthew M K Yau
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Tung Wah College, 31 Wylie Road, Homantin, Hong Kong SAR
| |
Collapse
|