Occupational stress, strain, and coping across the life span

Abstract

Three hundred ten employed adult males and females were studied with respect to their report of occupational stresses, strains, and coping behaviors. Using the Occupational Environment Scales older respondents generally reported more overload and responsibility and fewer insufficiencies, boundary role, and physical environment stresses than did younger respondents. Older respondents also displayed a trend toward decreasing vocational, psychological, physical, and interpersonal strain than younger respondents, and greater recreational, self-care, and rational-cognitive coping resources than younger respondents. No differences by age group were seen in the use of social supports as coping devices. The findings for sources of stress by age were as expected based on life span career development roles. It is postulated that older workers learn to use coping resources, thus enhancing their ability to experience reduced strain given equal amounts of stress. However, some workers who do not cope well may leave the labor force as they age as a result of illness, death, unsuitability for employment, or early retirement.