Neurological Underpinnings to Understanding and Dealing with Stress at Work

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 71-77
Author(s):  
Mousumi Padhi ◽  
Kalpana Sahoo
Keyword(s):  
United Nations ◽  
20Th Century ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Resilient Response ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Stress At Work

In 1992, a United Nations report had called work stress as ‘The 20th Century Disease’. The ‘always on’ economy of the 21st century has ensured that the prevalence of work-related stress is omnipresent even now like the mobile phones that perpetrate it. As stressors in the environment are continually present, what appears to be an antidote, is to change the response and have a more resilient response. In discussing resilient response, the article more specifically focuses on neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity or ‘brain plasticity’ refers to the brain’s ability to change or adapt both physically and functionally throughout life by stimulation from one’s environment, behaviour, thinking, emotions, etc. The article is based on this plasticity and the contention that brain can be structurally altered through the practice of mindfulness and meditation to develop resilience to stress, and respond better to stress. The article draws from the recent findings in neuroscience to strengthen this argument.

scholarly journals Mindfulness in primary care healthcare and teaching professionals and its relationship with stress at work: a multicentric cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Magallón-Botaya ◽  
◽  
Luis Angel Pérula-de Torres ◽  
Juan Carlos Verdes-Montenegro Atalaya ◽  
Celia Pérula-Jiménez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Stress At Work

Abstract Background Work stress is a common problem among the health personnel of the Spanish National Health System. The objective of this paper is to assess the state of mindfulness among Spanish primary care providers and to evaluate its potential relationship with work stress and basic labor and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods Cross-sectional, multi-centric study. Primary care nurses, teachers, teaching collaborators and residents assigned to six Spanish Family Medicine/Family and Community Care Departments were invited to participate (n = 475). A template was designed in Google Forms, including sociodemographic and work-related variables. The state of mindfulness was measured with the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), while work-related stress was measured using an ordinal scale ranging from 0 to 10 points. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were carried out, as well as bivariate and multivariate statistics. Results The mean age of participants was 40,14 ± 13.12 (range:23–65 years); 66.9% were women, 42.5% internal medicine residents, 29.3% family physicians, and 20.2% nurses. More than half (54.5%) knew about mindfulness, with 24.0% have received training on it, and 22.5% were usual practitioners. The average level of mindfulness was 127.18 ± 15.45 (range: 89–177). The average score of stress at work was 6.00 ± 2.44; 49.9% (range: 0–10). 49.9% of participants scored 7 or more on the stress at work scale. There was an inverse correlation between the levels of mindfulness (FFMQ total score) and work-related stress (Spearman’s r = − 0.155, p = 0.003). Significant relationships between the mindfulness practice and the level of mindfulness (F = 29.80, p < 0.001), as well as between the mindfulness practice and the level of work-related stress (F = 9.68, p = 0.042), were also found. Conclusions Levels of mindfulness in primary care health providers were in line with those levels observed in other groups of health professionals. Half of all of the primary care providers suffered from a high degree of stress. Although weak, inverse relationships were observed between levels of mindfulness and stress at work, with lower values of stress at work among those who practiced mindfulness. Trial registration NCT03629457.

scholarly journals The Work Stress Questionnaire (WSQ) – reliability and face validity among male workers

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Frantz ◽  
Kristina Holmgren
Keyword(s):  
Work Stress ◽  
Early Identification ◽  
Test Reliability ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Stress At Work ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire ◽  
Male Workers

Abstract Background The Work Stress Questionnaire (WSQ) was developed as a self-administered questionnaire with the purpose of early identification of individuals at risk of being sick-listed due to work-related stress. It has previously been tested for reliability and face validity among women with satisfying results. The aim of the study was to test reliability and face validity of the Work Stress Questionnaire (WSQ) among male workers. Method For testing reliability, a test-retest study was performed where 41 male workers filled out the questionnaire on two occasions at 2 weeks intervals. For evaluating face validity, seven male workers filled out the questionnaire and gave their opinions on the questions, scale steps and how the items corresponded to their perception of stress at work. Results The WSQ was, for all but one item, found to be stable over time. The item Supervisor considers one’s views showed a systematic disagreement, i.e. there was a change common to the group for this item. Face validity was confirmed by the male pilot group. Conclusion Reliability and face validity of the WSQ was found to be satisfying when used on a male population. This indicates that the questionnaire can be used also for a male target group.

scholarly journals WORK PRESSURE SOURCES FOR THE LEARNING RESOURCES SPECIALIST AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE STATE OF SEEB

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (15) ◽  
pp. 1573-1591
Author(s):  
Abdul Mutalib Sharaf Ali Al Musawi ◽  
Dawood Abdulmalek Yahya Al-Hidabi ◽  
Tunku Badariah Binti Tunku Ahmad ◽  
Mohamed El Tahir Osman Makki
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Learning Resources ◽  
Great Work ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Pressure ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Stress At Work ◽  
And Training

This quantitative study discusses the sources of work stress for the learning resources specialist in public schools at "wilayat Seeb". The problem is the increase in the volume of tasks and burdens of the learning resources specialist in the Sultanate's schools, which means increasing "work pressure". Therefore, the study aims at: Diagnosing the sources of work stress in the specialist learning resources in public schools. The researcher adopted the descriptive analytical approach, the study population consisted of (94) individuals, the sample was limited to (55) individuals. The questionnaire consists of (68) statements distributed in (7) axes sources of work pressure. The study findings: The learning resources specialist suffers from sources of great work pressures resulting from the nature of work and change, qualification and training, and the presence of four sources of work stresses are available on average. The results also showed that the source of work-related stress at work is low. Keywords work stress, learning resources, , stress sources

scholarly journals Social Determinants of Stroke as Related to Stress at Work among Working Women: A Literature Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Toivanen
Keyword(s):  
Work Stress ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Job Strain ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Working Women ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Specific Outcome ◽  
Stress At Work

In adult life, many of the social determinants of health are connected to working life. Yet, our knowledge of the role of work-related factors for the risk of stroke is fairly limited. In contemporary occupational health research, the Demand-Control Model (DCM) is frequently used to measure work stress. Previous literature reviews of the association of work stress and cardiovascular disease (CVD) do not include stroke as a specific outcome. Results regarding work stress and the risk of CVD are less evident in working women. With the focus on working women, the purpose of the present paper was to review the current research into the DCM in relation to stroke and to scrutinize potential gender differences. A literature search was performed and eight studies from three countries were identified. Based on the reviewed studies, there is some evidence that high psychological demands, low job control, and job strain are associated with increased stroke risk in women as well as in men. Any major reduction in deaths and disability from stroke is likely to come from decreasing social inequalities in health, and reducing work stress has a potential to contribute to a reduced risk of stroke in working populations.

Ubiquitous Connectivity & Work-Related Stress

2011 ◽  
pp. 167-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Ramsay ◽  
M. Hair ◽  
K. V. Renaud
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Quarter Century ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Workplace Stressors ◽  
The Past ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
E Mail ◽  
The Way

The way humans interact with one another in the 21st Century has been markedly influenced by the integration of a number of different communication technologies into everyday life, and the pace of communication has increased hugely over the past twenty-five years. This chapter introduces work by the authors that considers the ways one communication-based technology, namely e-mail, has impacted workers’ “thinking time”, and become both a “workplace stressor” and an indispensable communications tool. Our research involved both a longitudinal exploration (three months) of the daily e-mail interactions of a number of workers, and a survey of individuals’ perceptions of how e-mail influences their communication behaviour in general, and their work-related communication in particular. Initial findings, in the form of individual differences, are reported here. The findings are presented in relation to the way workplace stressors have changed over the past quarter century.

scholarly journals INSURANCE INTERMEDIARIES’ WORK-RELATED STRESS: CONNECTIONS WITH LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY

Ekonomika ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 146-159
Author(s):  
Violeta Raimonda Kulvinskienė ◽  
Gintarė Apčelauskaitė
Keyword(s):  
Work Stress ◽  
Life Insurance ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Type A ◽  
Insurance Company ◽  
Life Insurance Company ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Type A Personality ◽  
Related Stress

Abstract. The article deals with work-related stress, the reasons for its occurrence, consequences, and ways how to manage stress in the Lithuanian “X” life insurance company. The intermediaries’ work stress connection with labour productivity and type A personality behaviour are analyzed. The study aims to find out how the insurance company takes certain measures to minimize work-related stress and to increase labour productivity.Key words: work-related stress, labour productivity, Type A character behaviour, work-related stress management

scholarly journals Work Stress in Banking Sectors in Pakistan

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 2591-2597
Author(s):  
Muhammad Salih Memon ◽  
Dr.Nadeem Bhatti ◽  
Dr.Anwar Ali Shah G.Syed ◽  
Faiz Muhammad Shaikh ◽  
Dr.Munir Ahmadani
Keyword(s):  
Work Stress ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Management Programme ◽  
Contemporary Society ◽  
Early 21St Century ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Stress At Work ◽  
And Coping

Stress has been experienced since ancient times, but it has never been worse than it is here in the early 21st century. Nowadays stress is responsible for more than fifty percent of all illness.  Despite this fact, the phenomenon of stress still hasn’t been that deeply studied.  Contemporary society has to deal with the relatively new concept of workplace stressmore and more often. In order to answer the questions as to Why and What to do the problem of stress should be looked at in depth at individual workplaces.Only after this is done an appropriate and specific stress management programme can be created.  he purpose of this present study is to determine the main reasons for and consequences of stress at work, and to find the most effective ways of preventing it and coping with it. The research also analyzes the overall current situation of stress at work and takes a look at some historical facts related to the origins of stress.   People from different age groups, working spheres and cultures were invited for the interview during the year 2009, in order to get more information and practical examples from real life situations.  Since there wasn’t really any specific research found on this topic, my study will be potentially quite useful to companies, especially in the success of their overall development.

scholarly journals De oudere werknemer na de kredietcrisis

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Smulders
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Interaction Effects ◽  
Job Resources ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress

The effect of demands and resources on work stress in the Netherlands and Flanders The effect of demands and resources on work stress in the Netherlands and Flanders In this article, four large samples of the Dutch (2002 and 2004) and Flemish (2004 and 2007) working population are used to test the robustness of a research model, based on the Job Demands-Resources model. The aim is to find empirical evidence for the context independence and generalisability of the main and interaction effects in the model. Results are compared both in time and between regions. The hypothesised main effects proved to be significant in all four datasets: job demands induce and job resources reduce work related stress. No empirical evidence is found for the generalisability of the hypothesised interaction effects. We conclude that these buffering and amplifying interaction effects seem to be context dependent, i.e., dependent on measurement year and country or region. The practical implication of the study is that one may not assume that job resources buffer the negative effects of job demands on work stress. Thus, managing work stress is best helped by limiting work pressure and home-work interference.

scholarly journals The Sources and Impact of Stress of Teachers on the Performance of Learners: the View Point of the High School Teachers in Khomas Region in Namibia

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
Stewart Kaupa
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Teachers ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Key Drivers ◽  
Related Stress

Excessive pressure emanating from economic recession, heavy competition, modern and rapid technological changes, coupled with demands of jobs have emerged as key drivers of work-related stress amongst employees. Stress exists in all phases of our life and if not tactfully handled it can lead one’s mental state to depression. In the workplace, it can affect performance of employees, thus affect the productivity of an organisation. It is against this background that this study aimed at investigating the relationship between work-related stress of high teachers and the performance of learners in high schools in the Khomas Region in Namibia. 100 teachers were sampled using convenience and judgmental sampling methods. The study employed mixed methods as both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The findings from the study revealed that work stress does exist in amongst high school teachers due to the stressful nature of their work. The key drivers of work stress amongst high school teachers were noted to be; the shortage of staff in schools, lack of resources; workload; poor remuneration and poor working conditions, resulting in, absenteeism and turnover of teachers, temper outbursts and suicidal thoughts amongst the teachers all of these having a negative impact on the performance of teachers. Based on these findings the study recommends the Ministry of Education to introduce work stress management which can take the form of workshops and training to assist teachers to better deal with work-related stress which negatively impacts on their performance and that of learners. The key limitation of the study was that some respondents were reluctant to reveal the extent of the problem amongst them as they felt that in any case the ministry will not do anything about their problems.

scholarly journals Self-Efficacy as a Moderator between Stress and Professional Burnout in Firefighters

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Makara-Studzińska ◽  
Krystyna Golonka ◽  
Bernadetta Izydorczyk
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Personal Resource ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Stress At Work ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
General Self Efficacy ◽  
Separate Regression

The purpose of the study is to analyze the importance of individual resources in firefighting, one of the highest risk professions. Firefighters from 12 different Polish provinces (N = 580; men; M (mean age) = 35.26 year, SD = 6.74) were analyzed regarding the perceived stress at work, burnout, self-efficacy, and a broad range of sociodemographic variables. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Link Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were used in the study. To explore the relationships between work-related stress, burnout, and self-efficacy, separate regression models for each burnout dimension were analyzed. The results revealed that self-efficacy is a significant moderator that changes the direction and strength of the relationships between perceived stress and psychophysical exhaustion, sense of professional inefficacy, and disillusion. However, self-efficacy did not moderate the relationship between stress and lack of engagement in relationships (relationship deterioration). The results indicate that self-efficacy in firefighters is a crucial personal resource that buffers the impact of perceived stress on most burnout symptoms. It may be concluded that in high risk professions, special attention should be paid to developing self-efficacy as an important part of burnout prevention programs, pro-health activities, and psychoeducation.

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