Author:
Nordahl Henrik,Vollset Tarjei,Hjemdal Odin
Abstract
Work ability is a prospective predictor of sick leave and is defined as the balance between human resources and work demands. Since work ability is not equivalent to health status, identifying modifiable factors that contribute to it has the potential to reduce sick leave and related problems. The metacognitive model suggests that metacognition may be related to work ability and status, and a previous study reported an association between memory confidence and work ability. We aimed to replicate this finding and to test its robustness. In a cross-sectional study, 502 eligible participants responded to self-reporting measures. Confidence in memory significantly correlated with work ability, and this association held even when controlling for gender, age, physical health impairments, symptoms of anxiety and depression, negative automatic thoughts related to anxiety, fear of bodily sensations, and intolerance of uncertainty. Memory confidence may be a target for treatment with an aim to improve work ability. Keywords: work ability, metacognition, S-REF model, cognitive confidence, metacognitive therapy