The relationship between night duty tolerance and personality

Abstract

This study sought to investigate whether the differences that exist between individuals in the degree they tolerate shiftwork are related to personality factors. Forty six nurses, all of whom worked some night duty in their shift pattern, were divided into two groups, those who would (S = 24) or would not (S = 22) choose some nightwork given a free choice. The 'no nightwork' group scored significantly higher on both the physical and psychological symptom scales taken as a measure of shiftwork tolerance. There were also significant differences between the two groups on a number of the personality variables measured. The largest difference was on the rigidity/flexibility of sleeping habits variable (p < 0.001). This study supported the premise that any decision whether or not to work nightshifts should be left to the individual.