Stress & Well-being in the Workplace Module from SIOP

A Basic Stress Process Model Stressors = stimuli that force us to adapt or change Experienced stress = physiological and psychological perception of “being stressed” (e.g., faced with more demands than we think we can handle) Strain = threat or damage to our psychological and physical well-being Stressor Experienced Stress Strain

Why Relevant in the Workplace? Most people spend at least 1/3 of their lives at work This makes the workplace a dominant source of demands or stressors The workplace can also be a dominant source of reward and other resources that support our psychological well-being Unfortunately, chronic (recurring) exposure to stressors within the job environment can be really damaging over time

Stress & Well-being at Work Stress associated with work demands is a major health issue that can negatively impact the wellbeing of workers in any occupation. A good deal of research also shows that stress caused by work can spillover or crossover and have negative impacts at home (and vice versa) Work stress has also been linked to biological/physiological changes, attitudinal changes, and detriment to overall psychological well-being

Stress & Well-being As a field of study, stress and wellbeing is tremendously broad and multidisciplinary. – It cannot be fully understood from any single perspective or orientation The best research and intervention efforts in this area stem from collaborations between: – Psychologists – Public health professionals – Industrial hygienists – Occupational medicine professionals, etc.

Example Topics Work stress research is tremendously varied, with related topics including: Personality as a predictor of stress-reactivity Work environment features as causes of stress Work-to-family and family-to-work conflict Link between stress and cardiovascular disease Link between stress and workplace injuries Recovery processes associated with work stress

Class Discussion Have you ever worked in a job that was often “stressful”? Why do you think it felt this way so frequently? What would a very high stress or low stress occupation look like to you? What strategies do you use currently to manage the stress you feel related to your work as a student? Do you think these same strategies will work for you once you are in a full-time job outside of school?

Further Reading & Resources Society for Occupational Health Psychology: Sonnentag, S., & Frese, M. (2003). Stress in Organizations. In W. C. Borman & D. R. Ilgen (Eds.), Handbook of psychology: Industrial and organizational psychology (Vol. 12) (pp ). New York: John Wiley & Sons. Viner, R. (1999). Putting Stress in Life: Hans Selye and the Making of Stress Theory. Social Studies of Science, 29(3), doi: /