Workplace Stress and Individual Differences

These flashcards provide key concepts and findings related to workplace stress, individual differences in reactions to stressors, research methodologies, and implications for mental health.

What did Lazarus (1995) argue about workplace stressors?

He claimed that individual differences in reactions to stressors are often overlooked.

How does Lazarus's transactional approach view workplace stressors?

It emphasizes that the perception of a workplace stressor depends on a person's perceived ability to cope.

What was the finding of Schaubroeck et al. (2001) regarding control in stressful situations?

Some people had better immune responses in low-control situations.

What does work underload refer to?

Situations where employees are in jobs beneath their capacities or lacking creativity.

What did Shultz et al. (2010) discover about employees experiencing work overload?

They reported the highest levels of stress-related illness.

How does work underload impact job satisfaction?

It is associated with low job satisfaction and significant absence due to stress-related illness.

What is a criticism of using traditional questionnaires in stress research?

They may lead to social desirability bias and overlook significant stressors.

What alternative method did Keenan and Newton (1989) find more effective at identifying stressors?

Using interviews instead of questionnaires.

What are some stressors that traditional questionnaires often miss?

Time-wasting job demands and interpersonal conflicts.

What analogy did Warr (1987) use to explain the relationship between workplace features and mental health?

He likened workplace features to 'vitamins' that contribute to overall mental health.

What does low exposure to positive workplace features indicate?

It may lead to poor mental health.

What is a challenge identified in researching workplace stress?

Research often struggles to keep up with the changing nature of the work environment.

What recent changes impact workplace stressors?

The advent of new technology and the blurring of home/work environments.

Why is it important for researchers investigating workplace stressors to keep updated?

To ensure their conclusions remain relevant and useful.

What conclusion can be drawn about the job-strain model based on recent findings?

It may be an oversimplification of workplace stress.