Anabolism and catabolism at work

Abstract

The importance of anabolism and regeneration is related to lack or loss of control. This chapter discusses the psychophysiological basis for such relationships. In the threat of lost control, energy mobilisation is activated and regeneration is inhibited – since regeneration (repairing) has low priority in emergency situations. This pattern can be traced on several psychophysiological levels, from the brain to most of the cells in the body. Such a mechanism explains why the body becomes vulnerable and increasingly sensitive to load when threat of lost control is excessive and long lasting. In several empirical examples, various indicators of anabolism and regeneration have paralleled improvement versus deterioration in psychosocial conditions, in particular lack or loss of control. In these studies, indicators of anabolism and regeneration (such as concentration of sex hormones with anabolic and regenerative functions in blood and saliva) have been followed in subjects going through deteriorating versus improving life conditions. The demand-support model is used as a theoretical basis for the discussion.

Citation

Theorell, T. (2009), "Anabolism and catabolism at work", Sonnentag, S., Perrewé, P.L. and Ganster, D.C. (Ed.) Current Perspectives on Job-Stress Recovery (Research in Occupational Stress and Well Being, Vol. 7), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 249-276. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3555(2009)0000007010