Occupational Stress

Characteristics of Stress
The presence of stress can be inferred in an individual from a very generalized physiological response pattern whose elicitation can be provoked by a variety of agents and situations (drugs, fear, etc.) Increase in adrenaline secretion Dumping of sugar in the bloodstream Other related physiological processes

Characteristics of Stress
Selye, 1972
Disease of adoption (psychosomatic) Theoretical U model

Individual Factors
Genetic predisposition Early social experience A lifelong process of conditioning and cultural factors

Selyes Theoretical U model

Factors related to Stress

MENTAL WORKLOAD
Sinus arrhythmia variability between successive heart beats Method of distraction stress deterioration of performance in some secondary task

FATIGUE
Acute fatigue Chronic fatigue cumulative trauma

Factors influencing fatigue

Monetary Surroundings (noise, climate, illumination) Intensity and length of manual and mental work Psychic factors (responsibility, worries, conflicts) Illness and pain, eating habits

Factors related to Stress

Arousal general level of attentive behavior

Measurement of Stress
Physiological Measures
Heart rate (HR) Heart rate variability (HRV) Blood pressure (BP) Respiratory rate (RR) Electromyography (EMG)

Measurement of Stress
Biochemical Measures
Adrenaline and noradrenaline obtained from various fluids of the body such as urine, blood, and saliva

Psychological Measures
Social Readjustment Rating Scale Mood Checklist

Measurement of Stress
Performance measures
Quantity Quality Variability of work performance

Sources of Occupational Stress

Individual Sources
Health related factors Degree of match between the job and individual capabilities Personality make-up
Extrovert vs Introvert Type A vs Type B

Type A/Type B Test (8-pt. scale)

Casual never late Not competitive very competitive Never rushed always rushed Takes 1 task a time performs many tasks at a time Slow- fast Expresses feelings sits on feelings Many interests few interests

Type A/Type B Test Scores

Add score and multiply by 3 Scale
120 106 119 100 105 90 99 <90 A+ A AB+ B

Sources of Occupational Stress

Environmental Sources
Organizational structure Job structure Physical work environment
Noise Illumination Presence of toxic substances

Sources of Occupational Stress

Task related sources
Job demands
Machine paced vs self-paced Underutilization of skills and abilities Repetitive work

Job decision latitude Job security

Stress Management
Preventive approaches
Curative approach
Job redesign strategies based on some systematic evaluation of the worker in relation to the task and/or work environment

Coping strategies

Coping Strategies
Let people know where they stand Forget work when finished for the day Try to see the humor of the situation Think objectively of the situation and keep your feelings under control Talk about the situation with someone else at work

Stress Management in Blue-Collar Work

Ergonomic job analysis
Job enlargement Increased involvement and communication Training for skills in personal relationships Job empowerment Mental health programs

Stress Management in White-Collar Work

Psychotherapeutic approach Prescribed behavioral regimens
Nutritional management Gymnastic and postural management

Relaxation and feedback programs

Meditation Relaxation response break