Patterns and stratification of stressor exposure among Canadian workers.

Abstract

This research note identifies patterns of stressor exposure among Canadian workers, their stratification by occupational and socio-demographic factors, and their relationship to high self-reported work stress. Using latent class analysis and data from the Canadian Community Health Survey we examine the intersection of six stressors, identifying five distinct patterns (Few stressors, Multiple stressors, Physical, Monotonous, and Chaotic patterns of stressor exposure). Results show that the patterns of stressor exposure are stratified by gender, education, income, age group, and occupation; as well as give insight on how particular patterns of stressor exposure relate to individual perceptions of high self-reported work stress. The project also provides a research example of using quantitative data to examine qualitative differences in patterns of experience that provide more nuanced insight into complex social phenomena.