Showing papers by "Barbara Griefahn published in 2013"

Bright-light effects on cognitive performance in elderly persons working simulated night shifts: psychological well-being as a mediator?

Abstract: The present study examined whether the relationship between light exposure and cognitive functioning is mediated by psychological well-being in elderly persons working night shifts. The role of psychological well-being has been neglected so far in the relationship between bright light and cognitive performance. Sleepiness and mood were applied as indicators of psychological well-being. Cognitive functioning was examined in terms of concentration, working memory, and divided attention. A total of thirty-two test persons worked in three consecutive simulated night shifts, 16 under bright light (3,000 lux) and 16 under room light (300 lux). Concentration, working memory, and divided attention were measured by computerised tasks. The hypothesised mediators were recorded by questionnaires. Mediation analyses were conducted for estimating direct, total, and indirect effects in simple mediation models. Results indicate that sleepiness and mood did not function as mediators in the prediction of concentration, working memory, and/or divided attention by light exposure. Sleepiness led to an underestimation of the positive bright-light effect on concentration performance. Mood showed only a random effect due to the positive bright-light effect on working memory. Sleepiness and mood could completely be excluded as mediators in the relationship between light exposure and cognitive functioning. This study underlines that psychological well-being of elderly persons is not a critical component in the treatment of bright light on cognitive performance in the night shift workplace. In summary, it becomes evident that bright light has a strong direct and independent effect on cognitive performance, particularly on working memory and concentration.

Moderators that influence annoyance of residents near 6 European airports

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to identify possible moderator variables that influence annoyance due to aircraft noise. The data analysed here were ascertained by extended questionnaires in three studies within the COSMA-Project that was funded by the European Union. There were a Field Study and a Telephone Interview, each performed with residents living in the vicinity of the airports Cologne-Bonn, London Heathrow or Stockholm- Arlanda and a Laboratory Study performed with residents living near the airports Budapest, Lyon or Paris. In each of the three studies (and the overall 9 subgroups) the participants completed extended questionnaires on long- Term annoyance. In the field study sleep behaviour and acute annoyance that was rated each hour were additionally ascertained over a period of 4 days. Using a logistic regression model analysis odds ratios were determined for possible moderators. Based on the results a model was created that shows the most important negative and positive influences.