Construction and Validation of Stressors in Local Political Activity: An Event-Based Study on Predicting Mayoral Health.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to identify specific stressors within mayoral activities and to construct a mayors' life event inventory. Two online questionnaires were administered at 4-month intervals, with the first one collecting verbatim related to the stressors experienced by mayors and the second one evaluating the intensity and occurrence of the different stressors identified. In total, we retained responses from 1120 mayors. The first questionnaire has identified 25 work-related and nine personal life stressors (the cumulative stressor scale).The beta coefficients of the mediation analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between stressors and burnout. The total effect of stressors on burnout was substantial (β = 0.60, P < 0.001). This study sheds light on the specific stressors that affect mayors in France, revealing a complex interplay between work-related and personal life challenges.