Interpretive styles that contribute to job-related stress: Two studies of managerial and professional employees

Abstract

Abstract A recent study by Thomas and Tymon identified a set of interpretive styles that appeared to contribute to job-related stress symptoms in workers. This paper reports two new studies that extend that research. These studies use survey data from 142 part-time MBA students and 408 project engineers, respectively. Results identify three interpretive styles that explain a significant proportion of variance in self-reported stress symptoms. Deficiency focusing involves a tendency to focus on what is wrong or can go wrong. Necessitating involves thinking in terms of what one “needs” to do. Low skill recognition involves a tendency not to attribute successes to one's competence. These interpretive styles appear consistent with constructs proposed by Beck, Ellis, and Seligman in clinical populations. The styles are asserted to increase stress by skewing subjects' primary appraisal process toward higher perceived threat. Possible interventions for modifying these interpretive styles are discussed.