chapter 15

Stressor

the event

Strain

the prolonged response to stress

Eustress

Feeling nervous before a test gives you energy to study and improves performance.

Inverted U Theory

Moderate arousal = best performance; too much or too little = poor performance.

Type A personality

Competitive, impatient, multitasking, time-urgent, high stress-reactivity.

Type D personality

Tendency to suppress emotion, avoid contact, and experience chronic stress.

Underrepresented groups and stress

Systemic inequality, discrimination, and increased life/work pressures.

Role conflict

Stress caused by incompatible job expectations (e.g., work vs family).

Role ambiguity

Stress due to unclear or conflicting job expectations.

Role overload

Too many tasks with too little time/resources; often leads to burnout.

Job stressors and performance

They decrease motivation, satisfaction, and organizational citizenship behaviors.

Value conflict at work

When personal beliefs clash with organizational values (e.g., environmentalist at Exxon).

Management style and employee stress

Mismatch between preferred and actual work style causes tension.

Supervisor relationships and stress

Lack of communication or mismatched expectations increases anxiety.

Stress during organizational change

Job insecurity, new roles, unclear expectations (e.g., layoffs, restructuring).

Positive politics at work

Positive builds relationships.

Negative politics at work

Negative involves manipulation or sabotage.

Example of negative politics

A coworker takes credit for your work to get promoted.

Women and workplace stress

Greater sensitivity to gossip, sabotage, and exclusion.

Noise and job performance

Reduces quality, especially in cognitive/communication-heavy roles.

Introverts and noise sensitivity

They are more sensitive to environmental stimulation.

Example of noise disrupting work

A factory's loud machines distract a customer service rep on the phone.

Temperature and performance

Hot impairs attention/reaction time; cold impairs memory and learning.

Example of heat causing work stress

Theme park employees in 100°F costumes perform worse until AC breaks are added.

Shift work

Working nontraditional hours like evenings or overnight.

Nontraditional hours

Working evenings or overnight.

Health issues linked to night shifts

Sleep disorders, GI problems, fatigue, cardiovascular issues.

Best way to rotate shifts

Clockwise (day → evening → night) with breaks between changes.

Moonlighting

Working a second job (for money or enjoyment).

Slash career

A lawyer who also teaches part-time yoga.

Minor frustration

Small daily annoyances that can build into long-term stress.

Example of minor frustration

Traffic delays—but letting it ruin your mood builds stress.

Forecasting stress

Excessive worrying about the future.

Example of forecasting stress

Constant fear of layoffs despite job security.

Residual stress

Stress from past emotional events you haven't let go of.

Example of residual stress

Still angry after a breakup months later, ruining current mood.

Moderate stress boost performance

By increasing motivation, focus, and creativity.

Burnout

Emotional exhaustion from prolonged stress, leading to detachment from work.

Signs of burnout

Forgetfulness, fatigue, apathy, irritability, absenteeism.

Absenteeism

Missing work, often due to stress or early signs of quitting.

EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs)

Confidential counseling for stress, emotional issues, substance abuse, etc.

Healthy habits to prevent stress

Exercise, healthy diet, sleep, social support.

During-stress strategies

Breathing, humor, meditation, limiting caffeine.

Self-empowerment in stress management

Taking initiative, setting boundaries, focusing on controllable areas.

Work-life conflict causes

Long work hours, caregiving demands, lack of flexibility.

Workplace benefits to reduce stress

Flextime, telecommuting, wellness programs, on-site childcare.

Risks of unlimited paid time off

Employees may underuse it unless leadership models healthy behavior.

Common stress measurement tools

Self-report surveys like Maslach Burnout Inventory or Occupational Stress Inventory.

Limitation of self-report stress measures

People may underreport or not recognize their own stress levels.

Workplace violence

Physical or psychological harm in a work setting.

Mobbing in the workplace

Psychological harassment like gossip, exclusion, or intimidation.

Common traits of violent employees

Isolated, paranoid, feel disrespected, obsessed with violence, access to weapons.

Reducing workplace violence

Security, screenings, manager training, zero-tolerance policies.