Elgar Introduction to Organizational Stress Theories

How and why does job stress manifest as negative emotions, disordered thoughts, deleterious behaviors, and physical illness? How can positive outcomes like growth and mastery be encouraged instead? Job stress theories provide insights that guide practical decision making on how to mitigate the negative effects, and promote the positive outcomes, of job demands for the organization and its constituents. This book provides a review of the empirical support for nearly 100 job stress frameworks, and presents guidance for theoretical applications, testing, refinement, and integrations.

In addition to providing an overview of the theories, models, and hypotheses related to job stress, the authors present organizational and individual implications for both management and personal improvement. For scholars, gaps in the literature are identified to facilitate future research. Instructors and students will find this knowledge valuable for organizational psychology/behavior, occupational health psychology, or job stress classes, among others.

Altogether, students, researchers, and practitioners will find this Introduction integral to their learning, and benefit from the actionable research ideas and suggestions for stress reduction.