Occupational Stressors and Antinormative Behavior

Abstract

Using Robert Agnew's General Strain Theory as a guiding framework, the relationship between workplace-related stressors and maladaptive emotional and behavioral outcomes was examined via personal interview data from a private-sector corporation. Victims of aggressive behavior, such as those who had been attacked or threatened physically, insulted or harassed by phone, insulted or called names, bothered with unwanted sexual advances, threatened of job security, set up for failure, or mistreated in some other way were more likely to maladaptively cope in various ways. Other less blatant mistreatment such as being kept from obtaining a raise, deprived of privileges given to others, denied training, or treated as if one did not exist revealed a similar differentiating relationship. Limitations and policy implications that accompany the findings are provided to inform organizations in their efforts to promote a safe, stable, and effective work environment.