Examining the relationship between engagement and perceived stress-related cognitive complaints in the Argentinian working population

Abstract

Stress has a negative impact on cognitive functioning and occupational well-being. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship among perceived stress, cognitive complaints and work engagement in public employees from Córdoba, Argentina. In this cross-sectional study, self-report questionnaires were administered to 240 participants. Spanish versions of the following instruments were used: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), Memory Failures in Everyday (MFE), Executive Complaint Questionnaire (ECQ). Statistical analysis included ANOVA, path analysis, and multiple logistic regression. Stressed workers showed lower work engagement and more cognitive complaints, even after adjusting for demographic variables. Negative associations were also observed between work engagement and cognitive complaints, suggesting that cognitive difficulties are related to engagement. Given the relation among stress, cognition, and work engagement, it is important to consider these factors to foster workers’ health and work productivity.