Abstract

Dr. Andrew P. Smith*

ABSTRACT

Background: There has been little research on the relationship between cognitive failures and emotional well-being, which is surprising as cognitive functioning represents an important part of well-being. Research has shown that both well-being and cognitive failures can be assessed by questionnaire. This was examined in the present study. Methods: An online survey was carried out with a sample of one hundred and seventy nurses (age range 19-69, mean age: 40 years; 15 male, 155 female). They answered questions about cognitive failures at work and outside work. They also completed the Well-being Process Questionnaire (WPQ). Results: High negative well-being and low positive well-being were associated with more cognitive failures at work and outside work. Regression analyses, including the established predictors of well-being, showed that the associations with negative and positive well-being outcomes were no longer significant. Cognitive failures at work were predicted by high job demands, bullying and frequent use of negative coping. There were no significant predictors of cognitive failures outside of work. Conclusion: Initial correlational analyses showed that cognitive failures at work and outside work were associated with high negative well-being and low positive well-being. Analyses including established predictors of well-being showed that job demands, bullying and negative coping predicted cognitive failures at work. There were no significant predictors of cognitive failures outside of work.