The relationship of coping resources to occupational stress and strain

Abstract

Stress, strain, and coping are thought to be related within a closed system of individual perception. This suggests that individuals differ in their reports of stress, strain, and the mechanisms they use to cope. A field study was conducted using the Osipow and Spokane (1983) scales to test the relationship of coping resources as moderators to stress-strain relationships. It was found that role overload is the most significant source of strain but that coping resources contributed to moderating the relationship. Other significant stress-strain relationships were also moderated by the coping mechanisms. Low levels of cognitive/rational were more effective than high levels as a coping resource, counter to expectations.