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From work stress to disease: A computational model

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  • Remco Benthem de Grave
  • Fred Hasselman
  • Erik Bijleveld

Abstract

In modern society, work stress is highly prevalent. Problematically, work stress can cause disease. To help understand the causal relationship between work stress and disease, we present a computational model of this relationship. That is, drawing from allostatic load theory, we captured the link between work stress and disease in a set of mathematical formulas. With simulation studies, we then examined our model’s ability to reproduce key findings from previous empirical research. Specifically, results from Study 1 suggested that our model could accurately reproduce established findings on daily fluctuations in cortisol levels (both on the group level and the individual level). Results from Study 2 suggested that our model could accurately reproduce established findings on the relationship between work stress and cardiovascular disease. Finally, results from Study 3 yielded new predictions about the relationship between workweek configurations (i.e., how working hours are distributed over days) and the subsequent development of disease. Together, our studies suggest a new, computational approach to studying the causal link between work stress and disease. We suggest that this approach is fruitful, as it aids the development of falsifiable theory, and as it opens up new ways of generating predictions about why and when work stress is (un)healthy.

Suggested Citation

  • Remco Benthem de Grave & Fred Hasselman & Erik Bijleveld, 2022. "From work stress to disease: A computational model," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(2), pages 1-27, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0263966
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263966
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gruenewald, Tara L. & Karlamangla, Arun S. & Hu, Perry & Stein-Merkin, Sharon & Crandall, Carolyn & Koretz, Brandon & Seeman, Teresa E., 2012. "History of socioeconomic disadvantage and allostatic load in later life," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(1), pages 75-83.
    2. Alexander Bick & Nicola Fuchs-Schündeln & David Lagakos, 2018. "How Do Hours Worked Vary with Income? Cross-Country Evidence and Implications," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 108(1), pages 170-199, January.
    3. Bertelli, Anthony & John, Peter, 2014. "From the Editors," Journal of Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 34(01), pages 1-1, April.
    4. Bertelli, Anthony & John, Peter, 2014. "From the Editors," Journal of Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 34(02), pages 181-182, August.
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