Objective-To identify sources of job stress associated with high levels of job dissatisfaction and negative mental wellbeing among general practitioners in England.Design-Multivariate analysis of large database of general practitioners compiled from results of confidential questionnaire survey. Data obtained on independent variables of job stress, demographic factors, and personality. Dependent variables were mental health, job satisfaction, alcohol consumption, and smoking.Setting-National sample of general practitioners studied by university department of organisational psychology.Subjects-One thousand eight hundred seventeen general practitioners selected at random by 20 family practitioner committees in England.Interventions -None. End point-Determination of the combination of independent variables that were predictive of mental health and job satisfaction.Measurements and main results-Women general practitioners both had job satisfaction and showed positive signs of mental wellbeing in contrast with other normative groups. Conversely, male doctors showed significantly higher anxiety scores than the norms, had less job satisfaction, and drank more alcohol than their women counterparts. Multivariate analysis disclosed four job stressors that were predictive of high levels of job dissatisfaction and lack of mental wellbeing; these were demands of the job and patients' expectations, interference with family life, constant interruptions at work and home, and practice administration.Conclusions-There may be substantial benefit in providing a counselling service for general practitioners and other health care workers who suffer psychological pressure from their work.

The results suggest that GP job satisfaction has improved significantly from the low point reached following the introduction of the 1990/1991 NHS reforms, although reported levels of stress in relation to many aspects of work have continued to increase. The changes are discussed within the context of wider research into the determinants of GP job satisfaction in order to anticipate the likely effects on GPs of future organizational reforms.

Objective-To identify sources of job stress associated with high levels of job dissatisfaction and negative mental wellbeing among general practitioners in England.Design-Multivariate analysis of large database of general practitioners compiled from results of confidential questionnaire survey. Data obtained on independent variables of job stress, demographic factors, and personality. Dependent variables were mental health, job satisfaction, alcohol consumption, and smoking.Setting-National sample of general practitioners studied by university department of organisational psychology.Subjects-One thousand eight hundred seventeen general practitioners selected at random by 20 family practitioner committees in England.Interventions -None.End point-Determination of the combination of independent variables that were predictive of mental health and job satisfaction.Measurements and main results-Women general practitioners both had job satisfaction and showed positive signs of mental wellbeing in contrast with other normative groups. Conversely, male doctors showed significantly higher anxiety scores than the norms, had less job satisfaction, and drank more alcohol than their women counterparts. Multivariate analysis disclosed four job stressors that were predictive of high levels of job dissatisfaction and lack of mental wellbeing; these were demands of the job and patients' expectations, interference with family life, constant interruptions at work and home, and practice administration.Conclusions-There may be substantial benefit in providing a counselling service for general practitioners and other health care workers who suffer psychological pressure from their work.

This paper presents the results of a pilot study investigating stress among district nurses in the north-west of England. Nurses completed questionnaires covering job satisfaction, mental health, stress, Type A behaviour, health behavior, coping skills and demographic details. A specific measure of stress was developed following in-depth interviews with primary care professionals, including district nurses. A total of 79 district nurses took part in the study. The major sources of stress isolated by the district nurses related to: time pressure, administrative responsibility, having too much to do, factors not under their control, interruptions, keeping up with National Health Service (NHS) changes, and lack of resources. Factor analysis of stress questionnaire responses identified five major factors: demands of the job and lack of communication, working environment, problems with patients, work/home interface and social life, and career development. The highest levels of satisfaction were reported for the amount of variety in their job and the lowest level of job satisfaction was reported for chance of promotion. The results revealed that the mental wellbeing of the nurses was higher than that of the other population groups. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed three major stressors that were predictive of high levels of job dissatisfaction: demands of the job and lack of communication, working environment, and career development. The implications of the findings for further research are considered.

Objective-To identify sources of job stress associated with high levels of job dissatisfaction and negative mental wellbeing among general practitioners in England.Design-Multivariate analysis of large database of general practitioners compiled from results of confidential questionnaire survey. Data obtained on independent variables of job stress, demographic factors, and personality. Dependent variables were mental health, job satisfaction, alcohol consumption, and smoking.Setting-National sample of general practitioners studied by university department of organisational psychology.Subjects-One thousand eight hundred seventeen general practitioners selected at random by 20 family practitioner committees in England.Interventions -None.End point-Determination of the combination of independent variables that were predictive of mental health and job satisfaction.Measurements and main results-Women general practitioners both had job satisfaction and showed positive signs of mental wellbeing in contrast with other normative groups. Conversely, male doctors showed significantly higher anxiety scores than the norms, had less job satisfaction, and drank more alcohol than their women counterparts. Multivariate analysis disclosed four job stressors that were predictive of high levels of job dissatisfaction and lack of mental wellbeing; these were demands of the job and patients' expectations, interference with family life, constant interruptions at work and home, and practice administration.Conclusions-There may be substantial benefit in providing a counselling service for general practitioners and other health care workers who suffer psychological pressure from their work.