Table 1 Construction of psychosocial job stressors

Job demands

• It is difficult to take time off when I want to (from 0 = Strongly Disagree to 4 = strongly agree);

• My patients have unrealistic expectations about how I can help them (from 0 = Strongly Disagree to 4 = strongly agree);

• The majority of my patients have complex health and social problems (from 0 = Strongly Disagree to 4 = strongly agree);

• There is enough time for me to do personal study (reverse coded so that 0 = Strongly Disagree to 4 = strongly agree).

0.58

Job control

• Freedom to choose your own method of working (from 0 = Very Dissatisfied to 4 = Very Satisfied);

• Amount of variety in your work (from 0 = Very Dissatisfied to 4 = Very Satisfied)

• Amount of responsibility you are given (from 0 = Very Dissatisfied to 4 = Very Satisfied).

0.70

Social support at work

• I have a poor support of network of other doctors like me (reverse coded so that 0 = Strongly Agree to 4 = Strongly Disagree).

NA

Rewards at work

• Recognition you get for good work (from 0 = Very Dissatisfied to 4 = Very Satisfied)

• Your remuneration (from 0 = Very Dissatisfied to 4 = Very Satisfied)

0.57

Unpredictable hours

• The hours I work are unpredictable (0 = Strongly Disagree to 4 = strongly agree)

NA

Work - life balance

• The balance between my personal and professional commitments is about right (reverse coded so that 0 = Strongly Agree to 4 = strongly Disagree)

NA

Family restrictions

• I am restricted in my employment and/or the time and hours I work due to lack of available childcare (0 = Strongly Disagree to 4 = strongly agree).

NA

Workplace aggression

• Aggression from workplace co-workers (reverse coded so that 0 = Not at all to 4 = Frequently)

• Aggression from patients (reverse coded so that 0 = Not at all to 4 = Frequently)

• Aggression from relatives or carers of patients (reverse coded so that 0 = Not at all to 4 = Frequently)

0.76

Working hours

• 35 to 40 h, 34 h or under, or 40 h or more