Exploring the Interplay between Job Stress, Work Performance, and Attitudes toward Professional Psychological Help among Employees

Abstract

Background: This study explores the interplay between job stress, job-related factors, work performance, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among Vietnamese employees. Methods: A total of 374 employees in Vietnam were surveyed using random sampling and an online questionnaire from November 07 to November 28, 2023. Demographic data and self-reported from three scales: The New Job Stress Scale (NJSS), Work Performance (WP), and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help (ATSPPH_SF) were collected. Results: Significant variations were found across several variables, including forms of work, operating hours, education levels, monthly income, numbers of daily working hours, and the presence of a psychological counseling department within the company. Our analysis has highlighted direct relationships between key latent variables. Employees who were more open to seeking professional help tended to report higher levels of job stress. The negative relationship was found between job stress and attitudes toward seeking professional help. Additionally, work effort was positively associated with work quality. Moderation analyses revealed the influence of co-worker support on role expectation conflict and work effort, role expectation conflict and work-life balance, as well as interactions between role expectation conflict and attitudes needed toward seeking professional help. Mediation analyses showed that work effort mediated relationships between openness to seeking professional help, co-worker support, work-life balance, role expectation conflict, and work quality. Attitudes toward seeking professional help also mediated relationships between work-life balance, job stress, and work quality. Conclusion: The study highlights the complex dynamics surrounding job stress, job-related factors, work performance, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among Vietnamese employees. It highlights the importance of addressing help-seeking barriers, promoting work engagement, and fostering healthy work-life balance for employee well-being and productivity. Further research across diverse contexts and interventions is needed.