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    The relationship between perceptions of recovery and pain beliefs in occupational overuse syndrome : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2001) Allison, Lucinda
    Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS or RSI) is an umbrella term for a range of conditions characterised by pain and discomfort in the soft tissues and muscle weakness. Cognitive-behavioural theory suggests that the beliefs of people in pain can influence their functioning and research findings support a relationship between pain beliefs and levels of pain and functioning. However there has been little research into how beliefs influence recovery from the range of OOS conditions. The main goals of this study were to examine the relationship between pain beliefs and recovery and between pain and functioning. Sixty-four people with OOS completed questionnaires to determine their pain beliefs and levels of pain and functioning. Correlations provided little support for a relationship between beliefs and recovery but supported a relationship between pain and functioning. This study highlighted the limitations of the beliefs research and recommended that future research investigate the influence of the interaction of beliefs and treatment on recovery. It also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between the different types of OOS rather than treating them all as the same condition.
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    The Independent Newspapers Limited study: an investigation into occupational overuse syndrome within the newspaper industry : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1993) Pirie, Ross
    An investigation was undertaken into occupational overuse injuries. Overuse injuries are commonly associated with repetitive movements, sustained or constrained postures, and forceful movements. Other factors, such as work environment, amount of keyboard use, and the ergonomic status of the work area, have been identified as elements in the development of overuse injuries. These perspectives were used to provide research objectives in studying a sample of subjects working in the newspaper industry. Five hundred and seventy five respondents completed a questionnaire, which included a measure of the incidence and severity of overuse injuries, and questions aimed at discovering the effectiveness of different types of treatment and intervention strategies. Using a combination of descriptive and bivariate statistics, this data was analyzed. The analysis revealed low levels of reported muscular aches and pains. Of those subjects who did report some form of ache or pain, the majority answered that the level of their aches and pains had remained the same. As well, the image of the aetiology of overuse injuries which emerged, was in contradiction to much of the proceeding research in this area. The analysis also demonstrated that the treatment and intervention strategies being employed were ineffective. This was despite the fact that subjects often reported that they considered a particular strategy to be productive in managing their overuse injury. In the discussion section, the limitations of the questionnaire as a survey technique in this area of research was considered, and the possible effects these limitations have on the present study. This point has special relevance to the application of clinical models of overuse injury. It was concluded that the results demonstrated a need for research into effectively manipulating working conditions to counter-act the development, incidence and severity of overuse injuries. Such strategies as job enlargement and job rotation were suggested.
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    An investigation into the psychological factors related to Occupational overuse syndrome : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1993) Dannatt, Jon
    The present study investigated the psychological factors that relate to Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS). The specific focus of this study was the work related behaviours associated with OOS. OOS is a condition in which sufferers experience pain in the neck, shoulders and/or upper limbs, and is often work related. Previous research in this area has found a relationship between OOS symptoms and work related behaviours encompassed by the Type A Behaviour Pattern. The current study was designed to increase knowledge in this area. A total of 575 respondents completed a questionnaire designed to measure OOS, Type A Behaviour, and Quality of Working Life. Correlations between the main variables of OOS and Type A Behaviours found a consistent relationship between the syndrome variables and the Speed and Impatience behaviour sub scale. Strong intercorrelations were also found within the OOS variables and the Type A variables. One way analysis of variances determined that there were a range of confounds between main and demographic variables. To control for the effects of the confounds multiple regression analysis was used. The percentage of OOS explained by the Type A variables was small but significant. The implications of the above relationships were discussed. The Speed and Impatience behaviour type can be seen as a positive employee characteristic and therefore should be further investigated in order to control for its maladaptive aspects.
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    Occupational overuse syndrome and psychosocial stressors in the work place : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology, at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1993) Stephens, Christine
    There is continuing concern about the incidence of Occupational Overuse Syndrome among workers using keyboards in New Zealand, but very little local research into the possible causes of the syndrome. Following results from overseas research, it is hypothesised that differences in rates of pain reporting by keyboard workers are related to job stress caused by different levels in the quality of the work environment. An interaction between autonomy and work pressure is also hypothesised. Keyboard users in several different job types, working in eight different newspaper offices of the same newspaper company, were surveyed. The results confirmed the hypotheses. Post hoc analysis showed that there were important differences between the types of stressors that predicted pain reporting between offices, and those that predicted pain reporting between job types. These results confirm the importance of considering psychosocial factors in work and workplace design for the prevention of OOS. Conclusions are also drawn about the situation specificity of such empirical research, and the need for more theoretical work in the search for the aetiology of OOS.
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    Living with occupational overuse syndrome : a phenomenological study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1999) Baker, Angela
    The incidence of Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) has been increasing significantly in industrialised countries since the late 1970s. Research is revealing more about its causes, and the physiological and anatomical nature of the condition. However, little research has been done into the experience of the person with OOS as they work towards recovery. In the current study thirteen people with OOS were interviewed. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used, with the aim of gaining insights into the lived experience of OOS. Findings suggest that the experience of OOS is essentially paradoxical in nature. It comprises of four main processes - 'Coming to terms with an OOS diagnosis', 'Seeking a treatment that works', 'Trying to do the right thing' and 'Learning to co-exist positively with OOS'. These processes occur concurrently and there are many inter-relationships between them. Each of these processes involves a major paradox that the person with OOS must attempt to resolve. These all involve, in one form or another, the fundamental paradox for the OOS sufferer, that of finding a healthy balance between keeping tight control and letting go - between 'working hard at getting better' and 'releasing into relaxation, acceptance and attitude change'. Implications for therapy and future research arising from these findings are suggested.