Coping with stress in the workplace

Abstract

The researchers investigated a simplified process model, a so-called salutogenic approach, of coping with stress in the workplace. Two constructs of salutogenic functioning, namely sense of coherence and locus of control (three dimensions: internal, external locus and autonomy), as well as the stress levels of 240 employees from a parastatal organisation were measured. As expected, individuals with a stronger sense of coherence and a stronger internal locus of control experienced lower levels of stress and vice versa. Nevertheless, in a regression analysis only the sense of coherence and external locus of control variables contributed significantly to variance in the criterion variable stress

Financial health and sense of coherence

“…The salutogenic approach accepts that stress, uncertainty, trauma and other difficulties are an inevitable part of life in general and of work life in particular (Coetzee & Cilliers, 2001;Oosthuizen & Van Lill, 2008;Strümpfer, 1995). However, despite these life and work stressors (in the context of this study, for example, the economic climate and ensuing financial stress articulated above), people manage to control them and some even thrive under such difficult circumstances due to the strength of their SOC (Antonovsky, 1979).…”

“…According to Van Schalkwyk and Rothmann (2008), SOC has been the focus of much research, the usefulness of the construct being widely supported because it correlates strongly with health in general. SOC has also been a widely researched variable in South African research in the field of industrial and organisational psychology, both in the past (Strümpfer & Wissing, 1998;Viviers & Cilliers, 1999) and more recently (Herbst, Coetzee & Visser, 2007;Nel, Crafford & Roodt, 2004;Oosthuizen & Van Lill, 2008;Van der Colff & Rothmann, 2009;Van Schalkwyk & Rothmann, 2008).…”

A salutogênese na pesquisa em saúde: uma revisão integrativa [The salutogenesis in health research: an integrative review] [La salutogénesis en la investigación en salud: una revisión integrativa]

“…Indivíduos que apresentam pontuações elevadas de senso de coerência encaram os estressores como agentes previsíveis e explicáveis, demonstrando autoconfiança na sua capacidade de enfrenta-los e superá--los 17,18,23,31 . As doenças não surgem em consequência do estresse, mas da incapacidade e da falta de habilidade para manejá-lo, cujos estressores podem também ser percebidos como fatores positivos, desde que se tenha competência para identificá-los e compreendê-los, disponibilizando-se de recursos e da motivação para proporcionar um novo sentido à vida 2,31,32 .…”

Sense of coherence and work-related patterns of behavior and experience among faculty nurse educators in Egypt

“…An increasing number of researchers have investigated the types of resources and/or coping mechanisms that promote adaptation at work. [16,17] Sense of coherence is an important internal psychological resource that facilitates stress management, and contributes to a sense of well-being. [18][19][20][21] According to Antonovsky (1979, cited by Oosthuizen and Vanlill) sense of coherence, as a dispositional orientation toward life, is captured by three dimensions: comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness.…”

“…[18][19][20][21] According to Antonovsky (1979, cited by Oosthuizen and Vanlill) sense of coherence, as a dispositional orientation toward life, is captured by three dimensions: comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. [17] Comprehensibility is the extent to which internal and external stimuli are perceived as coherent. Manageability refers to perceptions that available resources are or will be adequate to meet the perceived demands.…”