Sm Ng

Measuring Engagement at Work: Validation of the Chinese Version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale

BackgroundWork engagement is a positive work-related state of fulfillment characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption. Previous studies have operationalized the construct through development of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. Apart from the original three-factor 17-item version of the instrument (UWES-17), there exists a nine-item shortened revised version (UWES-9).PurposeThe current study explored the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale in terms of factorial validity, scale reliability, descriptive statistics, and construct validity.MethodA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in 2009 among 992 workers from over 30 elderly service units in Hong Kong.ResultsConfirmatory factor analyses revealed a better fit for the three-factor model of the UWES-9 than the UWES-17 and the one-factor model of the UWES-9. The three factors showed acceptable internal consistency and strong correlations with factors in the original versions. Engagement was negatively associated with perceived stress and burnout while positively with age and holistic care climate.ConclusionThe UWES-9 demonstrates adequate psychometric properties, supporting its use in future research in the Chinese context.

Validation of the Chinese Version of Underwood’s Daily Spiritual Experience Scale—Transcending Cultural Boundaries?

BackgroundDaily spiritual experience (DSE) refers to one’s interaction with the transcendent in day-to-day life. Underwood’s Daily Spiritual Experience Scale mic(DSES) was developed to measure this experiential component of religiousness and spirituality. Addressing ordinary daily experiences rather than particular beliefs, DSES has transcultural applicability potential.PurposeThe current study aimed to develop and evaluate the Chinese version of DSES (DSES-C).MethodThe 16-item scale was translated faithfully through standard translation/back-translation procedures. The term “God” required an extended definition embracing both a humanized and a philosophical higher power in Chinese culture. The translated scale plus a battery of validation scales were administered to staff of a large rehabilitation service complex, resulting in 245 completed questionnaires.ResultsExploratory factor analysis revealed a similar factor structure as the original English version and similar problems with items 13 (compassion) and 14 (mercy). After carefully deliberating on the Chinese conceptualization of spirituality and balancing psychometric properties, the one-factor 16-item structure of the English version was supported. DSES-C showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.97). Construct validity was supported by correlations with validation scales in expected directions.ConclusionThe psychometric properties of DSES were similar to the English version in factor structure, internal consistency, and convergence/divergence construct validity.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Stagnation Scale—A Traditional Chinese Medicine Construct Operationalized for Mental Health Practice

BackgroundTraditional Chinese medicine stagnation (“yu”) syndrome is characterized by a cluster of mind/body obstruction-like symptoms. Previous studies have operationalized the concept as a psychological construct through scale development, producing a three-factor 16-item inventory with good psychometric properties.PurposeThe study aimed to further validate the Stagnation Scale by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and examine self-appraisal of stagnation as an illness.MethodA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on a random community sample of 755 adults recruited by cluster sampling in Hong Kong.ResultsCFA revealed a good fit of the three-factor model (CFI = .95; RMSEA = .077; SRMR = .043). ROC analysis suggested a cutoff score at 50 on stagnation total score for predicting self-appraisal of an illness condition, with false positive and negative rates at 25.8% and 23.3%, respectively. Overall, 6.2% participants self-appraised to suffer stagnation symptoms to a degree of an illness, and for it, 1.9% participants intended to seek treatment. Stagnation showed positive correlations with physical distress, depression, and anxiety (r = .59–.76, p < .01) and negative correlation with age (r = −.22, p < .01).ConclusionThe Stagnation Scale appeared to be robust in factorial and construct validity. With prevalence of illness by self-appraisal at 6.2% and intention for treatment at 1.9%, stagnation is a fairly common condition associated with treatment-seeking behaviors.

The role of holistic care culture in mitigating burnout and enhancing engagement: A study among elderly service workers in Hong Kong

Objectives: Elderly service work is a labor intensive and emotion demanding occupation. Workers in this field are prone to burnout, a form of emotional exhaustion at work. While their job well-being is associated with a number of job demands, little research has been done in exploring job resources to promote their well-being. Holistic care culture (HCC) was proposed as an organizational culture of holistic caring. This study explored the role of HCC in predicting job well-being and moderating the impact of perceived stress on job well-being. Method: A large-scale questionnaire survey was conducted among 992 elderly service workers of a major social service organization in Hong Kong, with a 93% response rate. Participants completed a standardized self-report questionnaire. Results: Structural equation modeling found HCC negatively predicted burnout (β = −0.32, p < 0.01) and positively predicted engagement (β = 0.36, p < 0.01). HCC showed significant moderating on the relationship between perceived stress and job well-being in expected directions. The model explained 53.7% and 35.8% of variance in burnout and engagement. Conclusion: Findings from this study provides supportive evidence for HCC as a moderator to ameliorate burnout and facilitate engagement among elderly service workers. Further studies of rigorous design on HCC are recommended. Implication of this study for organizational practice was discussed.

A Hong Kong Perspective

Hong Kong is a highly significant place when it comes to workplace issues, as it reflects a mixture of traditional Chinese values and modern Western practices. This chapter examines the work-life imbalance that has arisen in such a context and the culturally appropriate strategies needed to restore balance.

A ‘stagnation’ model for depression: apply TCM concept in treating depression

These free journal issues entitled: Special Issue: Abstracts of the XXVIII INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF PSYCHOLOGYThese free journal issues entitled: Special Issue: Abstracts of the XXVIII INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF PSYCHOLOGY