Effect of Changing Work Stressors and Coping Resources on Psychological Distress.

Abstract

We examined whether or not changing work stressors and coping resources affect the risk of psychological distress. A baseline evaluation of work stressors and coping resources and mental health was assessed for 4362 petroleum industry workers after 12 years. Increased task and organizational stressors were associated with an elevated risk of psychological distress. Decreased task stressors, increased job control, and increased coping resources were associated with a reduced risk of psychological distress. Increased coping also had a buffering effect on increased work stressors and psychological distress. Gender-specific differences were observed in the factors influencing mental health. The findings indicated that reducing gender-specific task and organizational stressors, and promoting coping resources at work may help prevent the onset of psychological distress.