Stress and stress management at the workplace

Abstract

Abstract Jobs provide an abundance of opportunities to experience personal satisfaction, growth and social acceptance. However, jobs also represent a common source of stress and can put a great deal of strain on our daily life. Stress can be caused by taxing demands at the workplace or by unfavorable conditions that accompany these challenges. On the other hand, the mere existence of a job can be considered a valuable resource, and the threat of losing it could be the most significant stressor. Challenge, threat, harm and loss are cognitive appraisals that are not only determined by the nature of aversive events or demands, but also by the available resources that can more or less protect the individual from stress or from its consequences. Coping competence and social support are seen as major resources that may buffer the experience of strain and help to readjust after the regular life course has been shattered. Longitudinal research is needed to identify the crucial variables that moderate or mediate b...