Research Article

Thermal stress in the U.S.A.: effects on violence and on employee behaviour

  1. John Simister1,*,
  2. Cary Cooper2

Article first published online: 18 OCT 2004

DOI: 10.1002/smi.1029

Issue

Stress and Health

Stress and Health

Volume 21, Issue 1, pages 3–15, February 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Simister, J. and Cooper, C. (2005), Thermal stress in the U.S.A.: effects on violence and on employee behaviour. Stress and Health, 21: 3–15. doi: 10.1002/smi.1029

Author Information

  1. 1

    Management Department, Birkbeck College (University of London), London, UK

  2. 2

    Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK

*Management Department, Birkbeck College (University of London), Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK. Fax: +44 (0)20 7631 6769.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 28 JAN 2005
  2. Article first published online: 18 OCT 2004
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 28 JUL 2004
  4. Manuscript Revised: 12 JUL 2004
  5. Manuscript Received: 3 MAY 2004

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Keywords:

  • thermal stress;
  • employee behaviour;
  • stress hormones

Abstract

Many researchers have claimed to find a link between temperature and aggression; we use U.S.A. data to confirm strong seasonal patterns in several types of violent crime. We also report seasonal patterns in U.S.A. workplace data (strikes, and quitting jobs). We suggest a medical explanation for these seasonal patterns, based on stress hormones (adrenaline, and perhaps noradrenaline and/or testosterone). The human body generates adrenaline in response to excessive heat;  adrenaline is helpful in keeping the body within safe limits, but we think that as a side effect  it leads to aggression (which is often inappropriate). We examine the shape of the curve relating temperature to aggression. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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