Job Stress

JOB STRESS Bagya. D M.A.,M.ED.,D.T.E. PONDICHERRY CENTRAL UNIVERSITY. INDIA. Stress is derived from the Latin word "Stringere" which means to draw tight. Stress is a dynamic condition in which an individual is confronted with an opportunity, demand or resource related to what the individual desires and for which the outcome is perceived to be both uncertain and important (Cooper et. al. 2002). Stress has been a focus of study in medical science where it has been defined as a perturbation of the body's homeostasis. This demand on mind-body occurs when it tries to cope with incessant changes in life. In the organizational context, stress has been found to be experienced by employees during job insecurity, performance expectations, technology changes, and personal and family problems. A more generalized description is provided by Caplan et. al. (1975) who suggests that stress is any characteristic of the job environment. There have been many studies on the relationship between job stress and job satisfaction and these studies generally indicate that job stress and satisfaction are inversely related (Sullivan & Bhagat 1992). Stress is believed to cause depression, irritation, anxiety, fatigue and thus lower self esteem and reduce job satisfaction. (Manivannan et. al. 2007). Job satisfaction or job dissatisfaction is often included in stress research as a consequence of stress and a negative relationship between stress and job satisfaction is frequently reported.
There are several theoretical positions devised for examining and understanding stress and stress-related disorders. Brantley and Thomason (1995) categorized them into three groups: response theories, stimulus theories, and interaction (or transaction) theories. Given the distinction made earlier between stress as a stimulus and as a response, this system serves as a useful way to present the various theories and associated research.
Response Theories and Research
Because chronic stress responses