Coping with Work Stress: The Influence of Individual Differences

Abstract

Stress is in part the result of a lack of fit between individuals and their environment. In particular, the impact of prepromotion stress management training on coping with managerial stressors could be analyzed while controlling for individual differences. The questionnaire included scales to measure work stressors, coping activities, and Type A behavior. Gender, job tenure, and managerial experience were assessed with single items. A wide range of work stressor scores were obtained with median scores equivalent to the means. An approximately normal distribution for Type A behaviors was obtained, but the reliability of the Type A behavior scale was unsatisfactory and therefore any Type A influences will be attenuated. Type A behavior was found to be associated with positive thinking activities. The males in the sample had greater managerial experience, but there was no relationship between gender and coping activities.