NIOSH Approach to Job Stress
On the basis of experience and research, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) favors the view that working conditions play a primary role in causing job stress. However, the role of individual factors is not ignored.
NIOSH believes exposure to stressful working conditions (called job stressors) can have a direct influence on worker safety and health. But as shown below, individual and other situational factors can intervene to strengthen or weaken this influence.
Examples of individual and situational factors that can increase distress at work include:
- The need to take care of an elderly or sick family member
- Having increased financial obligations with the bank or IRS
- Emotional problems like grief, depression, or low self-esteem
Examples of individual and situational factors that can help to reduce the effects of stressful working conditions include the following:
- Being able to balance the day between work and family or personal life
- Having a support network of friends and coworkers
- Developing a relaxed and positive outlook
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-6. According to NIOSH, what has a primary role in causing job stress?
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